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THE 


BELIEVER'S  DAILY 
TREAS.CJRE, 


OR 


TEXTS  OF   SCRIPTURE, 

ARRANGED  FOR  EVERT  DAT  IN  THE  TEAR, 

The  law  of  tby  month  is  better  unto  me  than 
thousaads  of  gold  and  silver.    Psalm  cxix.  72. 


PHILADELPHIA  : 

PRESBITERIAN   BOARD  OF   PUBLICATION. 

No.  821    Chestnut  Street. 


CONTENTS. 


JANUARY. 

PAOB 

The  True  Believer 5 

FEBRUARY. 

EVIDEKCES  OP  THE  BeLIEVER 21 

MARCH. 
Pbiyileges  op  the  Believer 36 

APRIL. 

Duties  op  the  Believer — per- 
sonal     52 

MAY. 
Duties  of  thp  Believer  —  to 

THE  Church 67 

(3) 


4  CONTENTS. 

JUNE. 

PA6B 

Duties   of  the  Believer  —  to 
THE  World 83 

JULY. 
Joys  of  the  Believer 99 

AUGUST. 
Sorrows  of  the  Believer 115 

SEPTEMBER. 
Temptations  of  the  Believer...  131 

OCTOBER. 
Retrospections  of  the  Believer  146 

NOVEMBER. 
Anticipations  of  the  Believer.  162 

DECEMBER. 

Final  Blessedness  of  the  be- 
liever   I'll 


JANUAKY. 


THE  TRUE  BELIEVER. 


1.       THE    BELIEVER     THE     OBJECT    OP 
DIVINE   LOVE, 

In  this  was  manifested  the  love  of  God 
toward  us,  because  that  God  sent  his 
only  begotten  Son  into  the  world,  that 
we  might  live  through  bim.  1  Johnix.  9. 

Pause,  my  soul,  adore  and  wonder, 
Ask,  Oh,  why  such  love  to  me  ? 

Grace  hath  put  me  in  the  number 
Of  the  Saviour's  family  : 

Hallelujah! 
Thanks,  eternal  thanks  to  thee. 


6  JANUARY. 

2.  REDEEMED  BY  THE  BLOOD  OF  CHRIST. 

Forasmuch  as  ye  know  that  ye  were 
not  redeemed  with  corruptible  things, 
as  silver  and  gold — but  with  the  pre- 
cious blood  of  Christ,  as  of  a  lamb 
without  blemish  and  without  spot.  1 
Pet.  i.  18,  19. 

Our  sins  and  griefs  on  him  were  laid ; 

He  meekly  bore  the  mighty  load : 
Our  ransom  price  he  fully  paid, 

By  offering  up  himself  to  God. 


3.       RENEWED    BY   THE    HOLY   GHOST. 

Not  by  woi'ks  of  righteousness  which 
we  have  done,  but  according  to  his 
mercy  he  saved  us,  by  the  washing  of 
regeneration,  and  renewing  of  the  Holy 
Ghost.     7'itus  iii.  5. 

Vain  is  every  outward  rite, 
Unless  thy  grace  be  given  : 

Nothing  but  thy  life  and  light, 
Can  form  a  soul  for  heaven. 


THE   TRUE   BELIETER.  7 

4.    PARTAKER  OF  THE  DIVINE  NATURE. 

Whereby  are  given  unto  us  exceed- 
ing great  and  precious  promises  :  that 
by  these  ye  might  be  partakers  of  the 
divine  nature,  having  escaped  the  cor- 
ruption that  is  in  the  world  through 
lust.     2  Pet.  i.  4. 

Blessed  are  the  sons  of  God ; 

They  are  bought  with  Christ's  own  blood ; 

They  produce  the  fruits  of  grace 

In  the  works  of  righteousness  : 

Born  of  God,  they  hate  all  sin  ; 

God's  pure  work  remains  within. 

6.      JUSTIFIED  BEFORE  GOD  THROUGH 
CHRIST. 

By  him  all  that  believe  are  justified 
from  all  things,  from  which  ye  could 
not  be  justified  by  the  law  of  Moses. 
Actfi  xiii.  39. 
Jesus,  thy  Mood  and  righteousness 
My  beauty  are,  and  glorious  dress ; 
'Midst  flaming  worlds,  in  these  arrayed, 
With  joy  shall  I  lift  up  my  head. 


8  JANUARY. 

6.  TTNITED  TO  CHRIST. 

I  am  the  vine,  ye  are  the  branches  : 
he  that  abideth  in  me,  and  I  in  him, 
the  same  bringeth  forth  much  fruit  : 
for  without  me  ye  can  do  nothing, 
John  XV.  5. 

Lord  of  the  vineyard,  we  adore 
That  power  and  grace  divine, 

Which  plants  our  wild,  our  barren  souls, 
In  Christ  the  living  Vine 

For  ever  there  may  I  abide, 

And  from  that  vital  root 
Be  influence  spread  through  every  branch, 

To  form  and  feed  the  fruit. 


7.  JOINT-HEIR  WITH  CHRIST. 

If  children,  then  heirs  ;  heirs  of  God, 
and  joint-heirs  with  Christ.  Rom.  viii. 
17. 
Pronounce  me,  gracious  God,  thy  son ; 

Own  me  an  heir  divine  ; 
I'll  pity  princes  on  the  throne. 
When  I  can  call  thee  mine: 
Sceptres  and  crowns  unenvied  rise, 
And  lose  their  lustre  in  mine  eyes. 


THE   TRUE    BELIEVER.  V 

8.  COMPLETE    IN   CHRIST. 

For  in  him  dwelleth  all  the  fulness 
of  the  Godhead  bodily.  And  ye  are 
complete  in  him.     Col.  ii.  9,  10. 

Thy  saints  on  earth,  and  those  aboTe, 

Here  join  in  sweet  accord  : 
One  body  all  in  mutual  love, 

And  thou  their  common  Lord. 
Yes,  thou  that  body  wilt  present 

Before  thy  Father's  face, 
Nor  shall  a  wrinkle  or  a  spot 

Its  beauteous  form  disgrace. 

9.  CHRIST  THE  BELIEVER'S  ADVOCATE. 

If  any  man  sin,  we  have  an  advocate 
•with  the  Father,  Jesus  Christ  the  right- 
eous.    1  John  ii.  1. 

.Look  up,  my  soul,  with  cheerful  eye. 
See  where  the  great  Redeemer  stands— 

Thy  glorious  Advocate  on  high, 
With  precious  incense  in  his  hands. 

He  sweetens  every  humble  groan. 
He  recommends  each  broken  prayer ; 

Becline  thy  hope  on  him  alone. 
Whose  power  and  love  forbid  despair. 


10  JANUARY. 

10.  CHRIST  THE  HOPE  OP  THE  BELIEVER. 

Paul  an  apostle  of  Jesus  Christ  by 
the  commandment  of  God  our  Saviour, 
and  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  which  is  our 
hope.     1  Tim.  i,  1. 

Jesus,  my  Lord,  I  look  to  thee  : 
Where  else  can  helpless  sinners  go? 

Thy  boundless  love  shall  set  me  free 
From  all  my  wretchedness  and  woe. 


11.  CHRIST  THE  LIFE  OF  THE  BELIEVER. 

When  Christ,  who  is  our  life,  shall 
appear,  then  shall  ye  also  appear  with 
him  in  glory.     Col.  iii.  4. 

If  my  immortal  Saviour  lives, 

Then  my  eternal  life  is  sure; 
His  word  a  firm  foundation  gives, 

Here  let  me  build,  and  rest  secure. 
Here,  0  my  soul,  thy  trust  repose  ; 

If  Jesus  is  for  ever  mine. 
Not  death  itself,  that  last  of  foes, 

Shall  break  a  union  so  divine. 


THE    TRUE    BELIEVER.  11 

12.  CHRIST   THE    PEACE    OP    THE    BE- 

LIEVER. 

Now  in  Christ  Jesus  ye  who  some- 
time were  far  off  are  made  nigh  by  the 
blood  of  Christ.     For  he  is  our  peace. 
Eph.  ii.  13,  14. 
"  He  is  our  peace" — for  by  his  blood 
Sinners  are  reconciled  to  God  | 
Sweet  harmony  is  now  restored, 
And  man  beloved,  and  God  adored. 

13,  CHRIST    THE     RIGHTEOUSNESS    OP 

THE    BELIEVER. 

This  is  his  name  whereby  he  shall 
be  called,  The  Lord  our  righteousness. 
Jer.  xxiii.  6. 

Saviour  divine,  we  know  thy  name  ; 

And  in  that  name  we  trust ; 
Thou  art  the  Lord  our  righteousness, 

Thou  art  thine  Israel's  boast. 
That  spotless  robe  which  thou  hast  wrought, 

Shall  clothe  us  all  around  ; 
Nor  by  the  piercing  eye  of  God, 

One  blemish  shall  be  found. 


12  JANUARY. 

14.         THE  TEMPLE  OF  THE  SPIRIT. 

Know  ye  not  that  your  body  is  the 
temple  of  the  Holy  Ghost  which  is  in 
you,  which  ye  have  of  God.  1  Cor. 
vi.  19. 

Creator  Spirit !  by  whose  aid 
The  world's  foundations  first  were  laid, 
Come,  visit  every  humble  mind  : 
Come,  pour  thy  joys  on  human  kind : 
From  sin  and  sorrow  set  us  free, 
And  make  us  temples  worthy  thee. 


15.  SANCTIFIED  BY  THE  SPIRIT. 

God  hath  from  the  beginning  chosen 
you  to  salvation  through  sanctification 
of  the  Spirit  and  belief  of  the  truth. 
2  Thess.  ii.  13. 

Come,  Tloly  Spirit,  love  divine. 
Thy  cleansina:  power  impart ; 

Each  erring  thought  and  wish  refine 
That  wanders  near  my  heart. 


THE   TRUE   BELIEVER.  13 

16.  UPHELD  BY  THE    SPIRIT. 

That  he  would  jS^rant  you,  according 
to  the  riches  of  his  glory,  to  be 
strengthened  with  might  by  his  Spirit 
in  the  inner  man.     Eph.  iii.  16. 

Assisted  by  his  grace, 
We  still  pursue  our  way  ; 
And  hope  at  last  to  reach  the  prize, 
Secure  in  endless  day. 


17.  THE  SPIRIT  OP  ADOPTION  RECEIVED. 

Ye  have  not  received  the  spirit  of 
bondage  again  to  fear ;  but  ye  have  re- 
ceived the  Spirit  of  adoption,  whereby 
we  cry,  Abba,  Father.     Bom.  viii.  15. 

Assure  my  conscience  of  her  part 

In  the  Redeemer's  blood, 
And  bear  thy  witness  in  my  heart 

That  I  am  born  of  God. 


14  JANUARY. 

IS.        COMFORTED  BY  THE  SPIRIT. 

When  the  Comforter  is  come,  whom 
I  will  send  unto  you  from  the  Father, 
even  the  Spirit  of  truth,  which  pro- 
ceedeth  from  the  Father,  he  shall  testify 
of  me.     John  xv.  26. 

In  the  hour  of  my  distress, 
When  temptations  me  oppress, 
And  when  I  my  sins  confess— 
Sweet  Spirit,  comfort  me. 


19.  SEALED  BY  THE  SPIRIT. 

Grieve  not  the  holy  Spirit  of  God, 
whereby  ye  are  sealed  unto  the  day  of 
redemption.     Eph.  iv.  30. 

Forbid  it,  Lord,  that  we 
Who  fi-om  thy  hands  receive 

The  Spirit's  power  to  make  us  free, 
Should  e'er  that  Spirit  grieve. 
Oh  keep  our  faith  alive, 
Help  us  to  watch  and  pray  ; 

Lest,  by  our  carelessness,  we  drive 
The  sacred  Quest  away. 


THE  TRUE  BELIEVER.  15 

20.  TAUGHT  BY  THE  SPIRIT. 

When  he,  the  Spirit  of  truth,  is 
come,  he  will  guide  you  into  all  truth  : 
for  he  shall  not  speak  of  himself;  but 
whatsoever  he  shall  hear,  that  shall  he 
speak  :  and  he  will  show  you  things 
to  come.     John  xvi.  13. 

Thine  inward  teachings  make  me  know 
The  mysteries  of  redeeming  love, 

The  emptiness  of  things  below, 
And  excellence  of  things  above. 


21.  FELLOW-CITIZEN  "WITH  THE  SAINTS. 

Now  therefore  ye  are  no  more  stran- 
gers and  foreigners,  but,  fellow-citizens 
with  the  saints,  and  of  the  household 
of  God.     Eph.  ii.  19. 

The  kindred  links  of  life  are  bright, 

Yet  not  so  bright  as  those 
In  which  Christ's  favoured  friends  unite, 

And  each  on  each  repose : 
Where  all  the  hearts  in  union  cling. 
With  Him,  the  centre  and  the  spring. 


16  JANUARY. 

22.   LIVES  A  LIFE  OP  FAITH  IN  CHRIST. 

I  am  crucified  with  Christ  :  never, 
theless  I  live  ;  yet  not  I,  but  Christ 
liveth  in  me  :  and  the  life  which  I  now 
live  in  the  flesh  I  live  by  the  faith  of 
the  Son  of  God.  Gal.  ii.  20. 
Close  to  the  ignominious  tree, 

Jesus,  my  humbled  soul  would  cleave; 
Despised  and  crucified  with  thee, 

With  Christ  resolved  to  die  and  live : 
There  would  I  bow  my  suppliant  knee, 
And  own  no  other  Lord  but  thee. 


23.     LIVES  A  LIFE  OP  CONSECRATION 
TO  GOD. 

I  beseech  you  therefore,  brethren, 
by  the  mercies  of  God,  that  ye  present 
your  bodies  a  living  sacrifice,  holy,  ac- 
ceptable unto  God,  which  is  your  rea- 
sonable service,     Rom.  xii.  1. 

Thine,  wholly  thine.  I  want  to  be; 

The  sacrifice  receive : 
Made,  and  preserved,  and  saved  by  thee, 

To  thee  myself  I  give. 


THE  TRUE  BELIEVER.  17 

24.  LIVES  A  LIFE  OF  HOPE. 

Looking  for  the  mercy  of  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ  unto  eternal  life.   Jude  21. 

Rejoice  in  glorious  hope; 

Jesus,  the  Judge,  shall  come, 
And  take  his  servants  up 
To  their  eternal  home  : 
Lift  up  your  heart,  lift  up  your  voice ; 
Rejoice,  he  bids  his  saints  rejoice. 


25.   DELIVERED  FROM  CONDEMNATION. 

There  is  now  no  condemnation  to 
them  which  are  in  Christ  Jesus,  who 
walk  not  after  the  flesh,  but  after  the 
Spirit.     Rom.  viii.  I. 

Oh  love,  thou  bottomless  abyss  ! 

My  sins  are  swallowed  up  in  thee  ; 
Covered  is  my  unrighteousness. 
From  condemnation  now  I'm  free; 
While  Jesus'  blood  through  earth  and  skies, 
*'  Mercy,  free,  boundless  mercy !"  cries. 

2 


18  JANTTART. 

26.  DELIVERED  FROM  THE  POWER  OF 

SATAN. 

Forasmuch  then  as  the  children  are 
partakers  of  flesh  and  blood,  he  also 
himself  likewise  took  part  of  the  same  ; 
that  through  death  he  might  destroy 
him  that  had  the  power  of  death,  that 
is,  the  devil.  Heh.  ii.  14. 
Dry  up  your  tears,  ye  saints,  and  tell 

How  high  your  great  Deliverer  reigns ; 
Sing,  how  he  spoiled  the  host  of  hell, 
And  led  the  tyrant  Death  in  chains. 

27.  DELIVERED  FROM  ALL  INIQTJITr. 

Let  Israel  hope  in  the  Lord  :  for 
with  the  Lord  there  is  mercy,  and  with 
him  is  plenteous  redemption.  And  he 
shall  redeem  Israel  from  all  his  in- 
iquities.    Psalm  cxxx.  7,  8. 

Fixed  on  this  ground  will  I  remain, 
Though  my  heart  fail,  and  flesh  decay  ; 

This  anchor  shall  my  soul  sustain. 
When  earth's  foundations  melt  away ; 

Mercy's  full  power  I  then  shall  prove, 

Loved  with  an  everlasting  love. 


THE    TRTTE    BELIEVER.  19 

28.     DELIVERED  FROM  ALL  ENEMIES. 

He  delivereth  me  from  mine  enemies  ; 
yea,  thou  liftest  me  above  those  that 
rise  up  against  me.     Psalm  xviii.  48. 

Foes  are  round  us,  but  we  stand 
On  the  borders  of  our  land : 
Jesus,  God's  exalted  Son, 
Bids  us  undismayed  go  on  : 
Onward  then  we  gladly  press 
Through  this  earthly  wilderness. 


29.   ENJOYS  A  PRESENT  SALVATION. 

Which  in  time  past  were  not  a  peo- 
ple, but  are  now  the  people  of  God  : 
which  had  not  obtained  mercy,  but  now 
have  obtained  mercy.     1  Pet.  ii.  10. 

Filled  with  holy  emulation 
Let  us  vie  with  those  above ; 

Sweet  the  theme — a  free  salvation, 
Fruit  of  everlasting  love. 


20  JANUARY. 

30.  PRESERVED  UNTO  ETERNAL 

SALTATION. 

Who  are  kept  by  the  power  of  God 
through  faith  unto  salvation  ready  to 
be  revealed  in  the  last  time,  1  Pet.  i.  5. 

Saints  by  the  power  of  God  are  kept 

Till  full  salvation  come: 
We  walk  by  foith  as  strangers  here 

Till  Christ  shall  call  us  home. 

31.  A  PILGRIM  TO  A  HEAVENLY 

COUNTRY. 

Now  they  desire  a  better  country, 
that  is,  an  heavenly  :  wherefore  God  is 
not  ashamed  to  be  called  their  God  : 
for  he  hath  prepared  for  them  a  city. 
Heh.  xi.  16. 

'Tis  true,  we  are  but  strangers 

And  sojourners  below; 
And  countless  snares  and  dangers 

Surround  the  path  we  go  ; 
Though  painful  and  distressing, 

Yet  there's  a  rest  above, 
And  onward  we  are  pressing 

To  reach  that  land  of  love. 


FEBRUARY. 


EVIDENCES  OF  THE 
BELIEVER. 


1.  SUPREME  LOVE  TO  GOD. 

Master,  what  shall  I  do  to  inherit 
eternal  life  ?  And  he  answering  said, 
Thou  shalt  love  the  Lord  thy  God 
with  all  thy  heart,  and  with  all  thy 
soul,  and  with  all  thy  strength,  and 
with  all  thy  mind.     Luke  x.  25,  27. 

Yes,  I  would  loTe  thee,  blessed  God  ! 

Paternal  goodness  marks  thy  name ; 
Thy  praises,  through  thy  high  abode, 

The  heavenly  hosts  with  joy  proclaim. 
(21) 


22  FEBRUARY. 

2.  GRATITUDE  TO  GOD. 

And  one  of  them,  [the  ten  lepers,] 
when  he  saw  that  he  was  healed,  turn- 
ed back,  and  with  a  loud  voice  glorified 
God.     Luke  xvii.  l.'i. 

What  thanks  I  owe  thee,  and  what  love, 

A  boundless,  endless  store, 
Shall  echo  through  the  realms  above, 

When  time  shall  be  no  more. 


3  OBEDIENCE  TO  GOD. 

Ye  were  the  servants  of  sin,  but  ye 
have  obeyed  from  the  heart  that  form 
of  doctrine  which  was  delivered  you. 
Being  then  made  free  from  sin,  ye  be- 
came the  servants  of  righteousness. 
Eom.vi.  17,  18. 

Love  is  the  fountain  whence 
All  true  obedience  flows  ; 
The  Christian  serves  the  God  he  loves, 
And  loves  the  God  he  knows. 


believer's  evidences.        23 

4.  sttbmissioji  to  god. 

We  have  had  fathers  of  our  flesh 
which  corrected  us,  and  we  gave  them 
reverence  :  shall  we  not  much  rather 
be  in  subjection  unto  the  Father  of 
spirits,  and  live  ?     Heh.  xii.  9. 

Oh  let  my  trembling  soul  be  still, 
While  darkness  veils  this  mortal  eye, 

And  wait  thy  wise,  thy  holy  will 
Wrapped  yet  iu  tears  and  mystery  : 

I  cannot,  Lord,  thy  purpose  see, 

Yet  all  is  well — since  ruled  by  thee. 


6»  FAITH  IN  CHRIST. 

Whosoever  believeth  that  Jesus  is 
the  Christ  is  born  of  God.  1  John  v.  1. 

Lord,  I  believe  thy  heavenly  word: 
Fain  would  I  have  my  soul  renewed; 
I  mourn  for  sin,  and  trust  the  Lord 
To  have  it  pardoned  and  subdued. 
Oh  may  thy  grace  its  power  display, 
Let  guilt  and  death  no  longer  reign  ; 
Save  me  in  thine  appointed  way. 
Nor  let  my  humble  faith  be  vain. 


24  FEBRUARY. 

LOVE  TO  CHRIST. 

He  that  loveth  father  or  mother  more 
than  me  is  not  worthy  of  me  :  and  he 
that  loveth  son  or  daughter  more  than 
me  is  not  worthy  of  me.     3Iatt.  x.  37. 

Whom  have  I  on  earth  below  ? 
Thee,  and  ouly  thee,  I  know  : 
Whom  have  I  in  heaven  but  thee  ? 
Thou  art  all  in  all  to  me. 


7.  SELF-DENIAL  FOR  CHRIST, 

If  any  man  will  come  after  me,  let 
him  deny  himself,  and  take  up  his  cross 
daily,  and  follow  me.     Luke  ix.  23. 

Take  up  thy  cross,  let  not  its  weight 
Fill  thy  weak  spirit  with  alarm, 

My  strength  shall  bear  thy  spirit  up, 
And  brace  thy  heart,  and  nerve  thy  arm. 

Take  up  thy  cross,  and  follow  me. 
Nor  think  till  death  to  lay  it  down  ; 

For  only  he  who  bears  the  cross 
May  hope  to  wear  the  glorious  crown. 


believer's   evidences.        25 

8.  confession  of  christ. 

Whosoever  shall  confess  that  Jesus 
is  the  Son  of  God,  God  dwelleth  in 
him,  and  he  in  God.     1  John  iv.  15. 

I'll  tell  to  all  pool-  sinners  round. 
What  a  dear  Saviour  I  have  found  ] 
I'll  point  to  his  redeeming  blood. 
And  say,  "  Behold  the  way  to  God !" 


9.  DEVOTEDNESS  TO  CHRIST. 

For  whether  we  live,  we  live  unto  the 
Lord  ;  and  whether  we  die,  we  die  unto 
the  Lord  :  whether  we  live  therefore, 
or  die,  we  are  the  Lord's.  Rom.  xiv.  8. 

My  soul,  and  all  its  powers. 
Thine,  wholly  thine,  shall  be  ; 

All.  all  my  happy  hours 
T  consecrate  to  thee  : 

Whate'er  I  have,  whate'er  I  am, 

Shall  magnify  my  Saviour's  name. 


26  FEBRTJART. 

10.  IMITATIOlSr  OF   CHRIST. 

For  I  have  given  you  an  example, 
that  ye  should  do  as  I  have  done  to 
you.     John  xiii.  15. 

Thy  fair  example  may  I  trace, 
To  teach  me  what  I  ought  to  be : 
Make  me,  by  thy  transforming  grace, 
My  Saviour,  daily  more  like  thee. 


11.  CHRIST  IS  PRECIOUS. 

Behold,  I  lay  in  Sion  a  chief  corner 
stone,  elect,  precious  :  and  he  that  be- 
lieveth  on  him  shall  not  be  confounded. 
tJnto  you  therefore  which  believe  he  is 
precious.     1  Pet.  ii.  6,  7. 

Jesus,  in  thy  transporting  name 
What  glories  meet  our  eyes  ! 

Thou  art  the  angels'  sweetest  theme, 
The  wonder  of  the  skies. 

Oh  may  our  willing  hearts  confess 
Thy  sweet,  thy  gentle  sway  ; 

Glad  captives  of  thy  matchless  grace, 
Thy  righteous  rule  obey. 


BELIEYER*S    EYIDENCES.  27 

12.        POSSESSION  OP  THE  SPIRIT  OF 
CHRIST. 

Ye  are  not  in  the  flesh,  but  in  the 
Spirit  if  so  be  that  the  Spirit  of  God 
dwell  in  you.  Now  if  any  man  have 
not  the  Spirit  of  Christ,  he  is  none  of 
his.     Rom.  viii.  9. 

Author  of  our  new  creation, 

Let  us  all  thine  influence  prove  ; 
Make  our  souls  thy  habitation; 
Shed  abroad  the  Saviour's  love. 


13.  LED  BY  THE  SPIRIT. 

For  as  many  as  are  led  by  the  Spirit 
of  God,  they  are  the  sons  of  God. 
Bom.  viii.  14. 

Lead  us  to  holiness — ^the  road 
That  we  must  take  to  dwell  with  God ; 
Lead  us  to  Christ— the  living  way, 
Nor  let  us  from  his  pastures  stray ; 
Lead  us  to  God — our  final  rest, 
In  his  enjoyment  to  be  blest ; 
Lead  us  to  heaven — the  seat  of  bliss, 
Where  pleasure  in  perfection  is. 


28  FEBRUARY. 

14.  CONVICTION  OF   SIN. 

There  is  no  soundness  in  my  flesh 
because  of  thine  anger;  neither  is  there 
any  rest  in  my  bones  because  of  my  sin. 
For  mine  iniquities  are  gone  over  mine 
head  :  as  an  heavy  burden  they  are  too 
heavy  for  me.     Psalm  xxxviii.  3,  4. 

0  Thou  that  hearest  the  prayer  of  faith, 
Wilt  thou  not  save  a  soul  from  death, 

That  casts  itself  on  thee  ? 

1  have  no  refuge  of  my  own, 

But  fly  to  what  my  Lord  hath  done 
And  suffered  once  for  me. 


15.  REPENTANCE  FOR  SIN. 

Godly  sorrow  worketh  repentance  to 
salvation  not  to  be  repented  of:  but 
the  sorrow  of  the  world  worketh  death. 
2  Cor.  vii.  10. 

My  lips  with  shame  my  sins  confess 
Against  thy  law,  against  thy  grace  : 
Lord,  should  thy  judgments  grow  severe, 
I  am  condemned,  but  thou  art  clear. 


believer's  evidences.        29. 


16.  HATRED  OF  SIN. 

Whosoever  is  born  of  God  doth  not 
commit  sin  ;  for  his  seed  remaineth  iu 
him  :  and  he  cannot  sin,  because  he  is 
born  of  God.     1  John  iii.  9. 

Oh !  give  me,  Lord,  the  tender  heart 
That  trembles  at  th'  approach  of  sin, 

A  godly  fear  of  siu  impart, 
Implant  and  root  it  deep  within. 


17.  MORTIFICATION  OF  SIN. 

They  that  are  Christ's  have  crucified 
the  flesh  with  the  affections  and  lusts. 
Gal.  V.  24. 

Great  God,  assist  me  through  the  fight ; 
Make  me  triumphant  in  thy  might : 
Thou  the  desponding  heart  canst  raise; 
The  victory  mine,  and  thine  the  praise. 


30  FEBRUARY. 

18.  SELF-RIGHTEOtrSNESS  RENOTJNCED. 

Yea  doubtless,  and  I  count  all  things 
but  loss  for  the  excellency  of  the  know- 
ledge of  Christ  Jesus  my  Lord  :  for 
whom  I  have  suffered  the  loss  of  all 
things,  and  do  count  them  but  dung, 
that  I  may  win  Christ.     Phil.  iii.  8. 

On  thee  alone  my  hope  relies  : 
Beneath  the  cross  I  fall, 

My  Lord,  my  life,  my  sacrifice 
My  Saviour,  and  my  all. 


19.     THE  WORLD  OVERCOME  BY  FAITH. 

Whatsoever  is  born  of  Grod  over- 
cometh  the  world  :  and  this  is  the  vic- 
tory that  overcometh  the  world,  even 
our  faith.      1  John  v.  4. 

'Tis  faith  that  conquers  earth  and  hell 

By  a  celestial  power  ; 
This  is  the  grace  that  shall  prevail 

In  the  decisive  hour. 


believer's  evidences.        31 

20.    non-conformity  to  the  "world. 

Love  not  the  world,  neither  the 
things  that  are  in  the  world.  If  any 
man  love  the  world,  the  love  of  tho 
Father  is  not  in  him.     1  John  ii.  15. 

Why  should  our  poor  enjoyments  here 
Be  thought  so  pleasant  and  so  dear, 

And  tempt  our  hearts  astray  ? 
Our  brightest  joys  are  fading  fast, 
The  longest  life  will  soon  be  past ; 
And  if  we  go  to  heaven  at  last, 

We  need  not  wish  to  stay. 


21.  SPIRITUAL-MINDEDNESS. 

They  that  are  after  the  flesh  do  mind 
the  things  of  the  flesh  ;  but  they  that 
are  after  the  Spirit  the  things  of  tho 
Spirit.     Rom.  viii.  5, 

Let  worldly  minds  the  world  pursue. 

It  has  no  charms  for  me  ; 
Once  I  admired  its  trifles  too. 

But  grace  has  set  me  free. 


32  FEBRUARY. 

22.  HEAVENLY-MINDEDNESS. 

Our  conversation  is  in  heaven  ;  from 
whence  also  W3  look  for  the  Saviour, 
the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.     Phil.  iii.  20. 

Beyond  the  bounds  of  time  and  space 
Look  forward  to  that  heavenly  place, 

The  saints'  secure  abode  ; 
On  fiiith's  strong  eagle  pinions  rise, 
And  force  your  passage  to  the  skies, 
Strong  in  the  strength  of  God. 


23.  CONSTRAINED  BY  LOVE. 

The  love  of  Christ  constraineth  us ; 
because  we  thus  judge,  that  if  one  died 
for  all,  then  were  all  dead  :  and  that  he 
died  for  all,  that  they  which  live  should 
not  henceforth  live  unto  themselves, 
but  unto  him  which  died  for  them,  and 
rose  again.     2  Cor.  v.  14,  15. 

Be  all  my  heart,  be  all  my  days. 

Devoted  to  thy  single  praise  ; 
And  let  my  glad  obedience  prove 
How  much  I  owe,  how  much  I  love. 


believer's   evidences.        33 

24.  love  of  the  truth. 

We  are  of  God  :  he  that  knoweth 
God  heareth  us  ;  he  that  is  not  of  God 
heareth  not  us.  Hereby  know  we  the 
spirit  of  truth,  and  the  spirit  of  error. 
1  John  iv.  6. 

Order  my  footsteps  by  thy  word, 
And  make  my  heart  sincere  ; 

Let  sin  have  no  dominion,  Lord, 
But  keep  my  conscience  clear. 


25.       PERSEVERANCE  IN  THE  TRUTH. 

They  went  out  from  us,  but  they 
were  not  of  us  ;  for  if  they  had  been 
of  us,  they  would  no  doubt  have  con- 
tinued with  us  :  but  they  went  out,  that 
they  might  be  made  manifest  that  they 
were  not  all  of  us.     1  John  ii.  19. 

When  any  turn  from  Zion's  way, 

(Alas,  what  numbers  do!) 
Methinks  I  hear  my  Saviour  say, 

Wilt  thou  forsake  me  too  ? 
3 


34  FEBRrrART. 

26.  LOVE  OP  THE  SCRIPTURES. 

I  love  thy  commandments  above 
gold  ;  yea,  above  fine  gold.  Thy  testi- 
monies are  wonderful  :  therefore  doth 
my  soul  keep  them.  Pa.  cxix.  127,  129. 

Here  mines  of  knowledg;e,  Iots,  and  joy, 

Are  opened  to  our  sight — 
The  purest  gold  without  alloy, 

And  gems  divinely  bright. 


27.  LOVE  OP  ENEMIES. 

Love  ye  your  enemies,  and  do  good, 
and  lend,  hoping  for  nothing  again  ; 
and  your  reward  shall  be  great,  and  ye 
shall  be  the  children  of  the  Highest  : 
for  he  is  kind  unto  the  unthankful  and 
to  the  evil.     Luhe  vi.  3. 

Lord,  shall  thy  bright  example  shine 

In  vain  before  my  eyes  ? 
Give  me  a  soul  akin  to  thine, 

To  love  my  enemies. 


believer's  eyidences.        35 

28.        love  of  the  brethren. 

Beloved,  let  us  love  one  another  :  for 
love  is  of  God  :  and  every  one  that 
loveth  is  born  of  God,  and  knoweth 
God.     1  John  iv.  7. 

Blest  be  the  tie  that  binds 
Our  hearts  in  Christiaa  love  ; 

The  fellowship  of  kindred  minds 
Is  like  to  that  above. 


[Zeap    Year."] 
29.        THE  WITNESS  OF  CONSCIENCE. 

Hereby  we  know  that  we  are  of  the 
truth,  and  shall  assure  our  hearts 
before  him.  Beloved,  if  our  heart  con- 
demn us  not,  then  have  we  confidence 
toward  God.     1  John  iii.  19,  21. 

How  happy  are  the  new-born  race, 
Partakers  of  adopting  grace ! 

How  pure  the  bliss  they  share  ! 
Hid  from  the  world  and  all  its  eyes, 
Within  their  hearts  the  blessing  lies, 

And  conscience  feels  it  there. 


MARCH. 


PRIVILEGES  OF  THE 
BELIEVER. 


1.        GOD  THE  believer's  SUN  AND 
SHIELD. 

The  Lord  God  ia  a  sun  and  shield  : 
the  Lord  will  give  grace  and  glory  :  no 
good  thing  will  he  withhold  from  them 
that  walk  uprightly.     Fs.  Ixxxiv.  11. 

If  thou  art  my  shield  and  my  sun, 
The  night  is  no  darkness  to  me  ; 

And  fast  as  my  moments  roll  on. 
They  bring  me  but  nearer  to  thee. 
(36) 


believer's   privileges.        37 

2.  god  the  portion  op  the  believer. 
God  is  the  strength  of  my  heart,  and 
my  portion  for  ever.     Pa.  Ixxiii.  26. 

His  boundless  grace    shall  all    my  need 

supply, 
When  streams  of  creature-comfort  cease  to 

flow : 
And  should  he  some  inferior  good  deny, 
'Tis  but  a  greater  blessing  to  bestow. 


3.  GOD  THE  REFUGE  OP  THE  BELIEVER. 

God  is  our  refuge  and  strength,  a 
very  present  help  in  trouble.  Therefore 
will  not  we  fear,  though  the  earth  be 
removed,  and  though  the  mountains 
be  carried  into  the  midst  of  the  sea. 
Ps.  xlvi.  1,  2. 

God  is  our  refuge  in  distress, 

A  present  help  when  dangers  press; 

In  him  undaunted  I'll  confide, 
Though  earth  were  from  her  centre  tossed, 
And  mountains  in  the  ocean  lost, 

Torn  piece-meal  by  the  roaring  tide. 


38  MARCH. 

4.    GOD  THE  GriDE  OF  THE  BELIEVER. 

This  God  is  our  God  for  e\^er  and 
ever  :  he  will  be  our  guide  even  unto 
death.     Pa.  xlviii.  14. 

Haste  thee  on  from  grace  to  glory, 
Armed  by  faith,  and  winged  by  prayer ; 
Heaven's  eternal  day's  before  thee, 
God's  own  hand  shall  guide  thee  there. 


5.  GOD  THE  GLORY  OP  THE  BELIEVER. 

Thou,  Lord,  art  a  shield  for  me  ;  my 
glory,  and  the  lifter  up  of  mine  head. 
Ps.  iii.  3. 

Lord,  let  thy  grace  surround  me  still, 
And  like  a  bulwark  prove  ! 

To  guard  my  soul  from  every  ill, 
Secured  by  sovereign  love. 


believer's  PRIVILEGES.  39 

6.     ALL  BLESSINGS  THROUGH  CHRIST. 

All  things  are  yours ;  whether  Paul, 
or  ApoUos,  or  Cephas,  or  the  world, 
or  life,  or  death,  or  things  present,  or 
things  to  come  ;  all  are  yours  ;  and  ye 
are  Christ's  ;  and  Christ  is  God's.  1 
Cor.  iii.  21—23. 

Let  Christ  assure  me  he  is  mine, 

I  nothing  want  beside  ; 
My  soul  shall  at  the  fountain  live, 

When  all  the  streams  are  dried. 


7.  ALL  BLESSINGS  IN  CHRIST. 

Blessed  be  the  God  and  Father  of  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who  hath  blessed 
us  with  all  spiritual  blessings  in  hea- 
venly places  in  Christ  Jesus.  Eph.  i.  3. 

Oh  the  rich  depths  of  love  divine! 

Of  bliss  a  boundless  store  ! 
Dear  Saviour,  let  me  call  thee  mine, 

I  cannot  wish  for  more. 


40  MAECH. 

8.      PARDON  THROUGH  CHRIST. 

In  whom  we  have  redemption  through 
his  blood,  even  the  forgiveness  of  sin. 
Col.  i.  14. 

0  Lamb  of  God,  thy  precious  blood 
Shall  never  lose  its  power, 

Till  all  the  ransomed  church  of  God 
Be  saved,  to  sia  no  more. 

E'er  since,  by  faith,  I  saw  the  stream 
Thy  flowing  wounds  supply, 

Redeeming  love  has  been  my  theme, 
And  shall  be  till  I  die. 


9.     JUSTIFICATION  THROUGH  CHRIST. 

Being  justified  freely  by  his  gracQ 
through  the  redemption  that  is  in  Christ 
Jesus.     Rom.  iii.  24. 

No  ri^'hteousuess  but  his  we  own, 
No  ransom  but  his  blood  alone ; 
While  on  the  Father's  name  we  call, 
Our  faith  pleads  Christ  as  all  in  all. 


believer's   privileges.        41 

10.  reconciliation  through  christ. 

For  if,  when  we  were  enemies,  we 
were  reconciled  to  God  by  the  death 
of  his  Son,  much  more,  being  recon- 
ciled, we  shall  be  saved  by  his  life. 
Rom.  V.  10. 

Let  us  love,  and  sing,  and  wonder  ; 

Let  us  praise  the  Savimir's  name  : 
lie  has  hushed  the  law's  loud  thunder, 

He  has  quenched  Mount  Sinai's  flame : 
He  has  washed  us  with  his  hlood, 
He  has  brought  us  nigh  to  God. 

11.  ADOPTION  THROTTGH  CHRIST. 

As  many  as  received  him,  to  them 
gave  he  power  to  become  the  sons  of 
God,  even  to  them  that  believe  on  his 
name.     John  i.  12. 

Let  others  boast  their  ancient  line, 

In  long  succession  great ; 
In  the  proud  list,  let  heroes  shine 
And  monarchs  swell  their  state  : 
Descended  from  the  King  of  kings, 
Each  saint  a  uobler  title  sings. 


42  MARCH. 

12.  REST  IN  CHRIST. 

Come  unto  me,  all  ye  that  labour 
and  are  heavy  laden,  and  I  will  give 
you  rest.     Matt.  xi.  28. 

Jesus,  with  thy  word  complying. 

Firm  our  litith  and  hope  shall  be; 
On  thy  faithfulness  relying, 

We  will  seek  our  rest  in  thee. 


13.  SAFETY  IN  CHRIST. 

I  give  unto  them  eternal  life;  and 
they  shall  never  perish,  neither  shall 
any  man  pluck  them  out  of  my  hand. 
John  X.  28. 

"  Unnumbered  years  of  bliss 
I  to  my  sheep  will  give  ; 
And  while  my  throne  unshaken  stands 
Shall  all  my  chosen  live." 

Enough,  my  gracious  Lord, 
Let  faith  triumphant  cry ; 
My  heart  can  on  this  promise  live, 
Can  with  this  promise  die. 


believer's  privileges.        43 


14.       STRENGTH   THROUGH  CHRIST. 

I  can  do  all  things  through  Christ 
which  strengtheneth  me.     PhilAv.  13. 

I  can  do  all  things,  and  can  hear 
All  sufferings,  if  my  Lord  he  near ; 
Sweet  pleasures  mingle  with  the  pains, 
While  his  left  hand  my  head  sustains. 


15.     SPIRITUAL  FREEDOM  THROUGH 
CHRIST. 

If  the  Son  shall  make  you  free,  ye 
shall  be  free  indeed.     John  viii.  36. 

Sweet  is  the  freedom  Christ  bestows, 
With  which  he  makes  his  people  free, 
A  liberty  no  mortal  knows 
Till  they  his  great  salvation  see. 


44  MARCH. 


16.    CONSOLATION  THROUGH  CHRIST. 

Now  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  himself, 
and  God,  even  our  Father,  which  bath 
loved  us,  and  hath  given  us  everlasting 
consolation  and  good  hope  through 
grace — 2  Thess.  ii.   16. 

In  every  trouble,  sharp  and  strong, 

My  soul  to  Jesus  flies ; 
My  anchor-hold  is  firm  on  him, 

When  swelling  billows  rise. 


1*1.   PEACE  WITH  GOD  THROUGH  CHRIST. 

Being  justified  by  faith,  we  have 
peace  with  God  through  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ.     Bom.  v.  1. 

No  fiery  vengeance  now, 
Nor  burning  wrath  comes  down  ; 
If  justice  calls  for  sinners'  blood, 
The  Saviour  shows  his  owu. 


believer's  privileges.       45 

18,  access  to  god  through  christ. 

In  whom  we  have  boldness  and 
access  with  confidence  by  the  faith  of 
him.     Eph.  iii.  12. 

Come  boldly  to  the  throne  of  grace, 
Where  Jesus  kindly  pleads ; 

Ours  cannot  be  a  desperate  case 
While  Jesus  intercedes. 


19.       VICTORY  THROUGH  CHRIST. 

Thanks  be  to  God,  which  giveth  us 
the  victory  through  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ.     1  Cor.  xv.  67. 

Thus  strong  in  the  Redeemer's  strength, 
Sin,  death,  and  hell  we  trample  down, 

Fight  the  good  fight,  and  win  at  length, 
Through  mercy,  an  eternal  crown. 


46  MARCH. 

20.      INDWELLING  OF  THE  SPIRIT. 

Know  ye  not  that  ye  are  the  temple 
of  God,  and  that  the  Spirit  of  God 
dwelleth  in  you?     1  Cor.  iii.  16. 

Think  what  Spirit  dwells  within  thee  ; 

Thiak  what  Father's  smiles  are  thine; 
Think  that  Jesus  died  to  win  thee  : 

Child  of  heaven,  canst  thou  repine  ? 


21.     INTERCESSION    OP  THE  SPIRIT. 

The  Spirit  also  helpeth  our  infirmi- 
ties :  for  we  know  not  what  we  should 
pray  for  as  we  ought  :  but  the  Spirit 
itself  maketh  intercession  for  us  with 
groanings  which  cannot  be  uttered. 
Rom.  viii.  26. 

Let  pure  devotion's  fervours  rise, 

Let  every  holy  feeling  glow; 
Oh,  let  the  rapture  of  the  skies 

Kindle  in  our  cold  hearts  below. 
Come,  vivifying  Spirit,  come. 
And  make  our  hearts  thy  constant  home. 


believer's  privileges.        47 

22.  sanctification  by  the  spirit. 

Elect  according  to  the  foreknowledge 
of  God  the  Father,  through  sanctlfica- 
tion  of  the  Spirit,  unto  obedience  and 
sprinkling  of  the  blood  of  Jesus.  1 
Pet.  i.  2. 

Can  aught  beneath  a  power  diyine 

The  stubborn  will  subdue  ? 
'Tis  thine,  eternal  Spirit,  thine, 

To  form  our  hearts  anew. 
'Tis  thine  the  passions  to  recall, 

And  upwards  bid  them  rise; 
And  make  the  scales  of  error  fall 

From  reason's  darkened  eyes. 


23.        THE  FRUITS  OP  THE  SPIRIT. 

The  fruit  of  the  Spirit  is  love,  joy, 
peace,  long  suffering,  gentleness,  good- 
ness, faith,  meekness,  temperance  : 
against  such  there  is  no  law.  Gal 
V.  22,  23. 

'Tis  God  himself  the  ground  prepares. 

His  Spirit  sows  the  land ; 
And  every  pleasant  fruit  it  bears, 

Is  nurtured  by  his  hand. 


48  MARCH. 

24.         INHERITANCE  AMONG  THE 
SANCTIFIED. 

Brethren,  I  commend  you  to  God 
and  to  the  word  of  his  grace,  which  is 
able  to  build  you  up,  and  to  give  you 
an  inheritance  among  all  them  which 
are  sanctified.     Acts  xx.  32. 

From  earth  we  shall  quickly  remove, 
And  mount  to  our  native  abode ; 

The  house  of  our  Father  above, 
The  palace  of  angels  and  God. 


25.  INCREASE  OF  GRACE. 

The  righteous  shall  flourish  like  the 
palm  tree  :  he  shall  grow  like  a  cedar 
in  Lebanon.  They  shall  still  bring 
forth  fruit  in  old  age;  they  shall  be 
fat  and  flourishing.     Ps.  xcii.  12,  14. 

Lord,  one  thing  we  want, 

More  holiness  grant ; 
For  more  of  thy  mind  and  thy  image  we  pant: 

While  onward  we  move 

To  Canaan  above, 
Gome,  fill  us  with  holiness,  fill  us  with  love. 


believer's   privileges.        49 

26.  persevering  grace. 

The  righteous  shall  hold  on  his  way, 
and  he  that  hath  clean  hands  shall  be 
stronger  and  stronger.     Job  xvii.  9. 

The  righteous,  blest  with  light  divine, 

Shall  prosper  on  their  way  ; 
Brighter  and  brighter  still  shall  shine, 

To  glory 's  perfect  day. 


27.  CONFIDENCE  IN  PRAYER. 

This  is  the  confidence  that  we  have 
in  him,  that,  if  we  ask  any  thing  ac- 
cording to  his  will,  he  heareth  us.  1 
John  V.  14. 

He  who  for  man  their  Surety  stood. 
And  poured  on  earth  his  precious  blood, 
Pursues  in  heaven  his  mighty  plan, 
The  Saviour  and  the  Friend  of  man. 
With  boldness,  therefore,  at  the  throne, 
Let  us  make  all  our  sorrows  known; 
And  ask  the  aid  of  heavenly  power, 
To  help  us  in  the  evil  hour. 
4 


50  MARCH. 

28.  PRESERVATION  IN  TROTTBLE. 

In  the  time  of  trouble  he  shall  hide 
me  in  his  pavilion  :  in  the  secret  of  his 
tabernacle  shall  he  hide  me  ;  he  shall 
set  me  upon  a  rock.     Ps.  xxvii.  5. 

When  I  can  trust  my  all  with  God 

In  trial's  fearful  hour — 
Bow,  all  resigued,  beneath  his  rod, 

And  bless  his  sparing  power  ; 
Ajoy  springs  up  amid  distress, 
A  fountain  in  the  wilderness. 

29.  ALL  THINGS  WORK  TOGETHER 

FOR    GOOD. 

We  know  that  all  things  work  to- 
gether for  good  to  them  that  love  God, 
to  them  who  are  the  called  according 
to  his  purpose.     Horn.  viii.  28. 

God  will  keep  his  own  anointed  ; 

Nought  shall  harm  them,  none  condemn ; 
All  their  trials  are  appointed  ; 

All  must  work  for  good  to  them  : 
All  shall  help  them 

To  their  heavenly  diadem. 


believer's   privileges.       51 

30.  peace  of  minb. 

Thou  wilt  keep  him  in  perfect  peace, 
whose  mind  is  stayed  on  thee  :  because 
he  trusteth  in  thee.     ha.  xxvi.  3. 

Saviour,  on  earth  I  covet  not 
That  every  woe  should  cease ; 

Only  if  trouhle  be  my  lot, 
In  thee  let  me  have  peace. 


31.  PEACE  IN  DEATH. 

Mark  the  perfect  man,  and  behold 
the  upright  :  for  the  end  of  that  man 
is  peace.     Ps.  xxxvii.  37. 

How  blest  the  righteous  when  he  dies, 
When  sinks  a  weary  soul  to  rest! 

How  mildly  beam  the  closing  eyes  ! 

How  gently  heaves  th'  expiring  breast  1 

Life's  labour  done,  as  sinks  the  clay, 
Light  from  its  load  the  spirit  flies ; 

While  heaven  and  earth  combine  to  say, 
"  How  blest  the  righteous  when  he  dies !" 


APEIL. 

DUTIES  OF  THE  BELIEVER 
-PERSONAL. 

1.  GOOD    WORKS  TO  BE  DONE. 

These  things  I  will  that  thou  affirm 
constantly,  that  they  which  have  be- 
lieved in  God  might  be  careful  to 
maintain  good  works.      Titus  iii.  8. 

Whate'er  is  noble,  pure,  refined. 
Just,  generous,  amiable,  and  kind, 
That  may  my  constant  thoughts  pursue, 
That  may  I  love  and  practise  too. 

2.  GOOD  WORKS  TO   BE  DONE  TO  THE 

GLORY   OF    GOD. 

Whether  therefore  ye  eat,  or  drink, 
or  whatsoever  ye  do,  do  all  to  the  glory 
of  God.     1  Cor.  X.  31. 

Through  Jesus  Christ  the  .lust, 
My  faint  desires  receive ; 
And  let  me  in  thy  goodness  trust, 
And  to  thy  glory  live. 
(52) 


DUTIES— PERSONAL.  53 

3.  GOOD  WORKS  TO  BE  DONE  AFTER  THE 
EXAMPLE  OP  CHRIST. 

He  that  saith  he  abideth  in  him 
ought  himself  also  so  to  walk,  even  as 
he  walked.     1  John  ii.  6. 

To  do  his  heavenly  Father's  will 
Was  his  eiuplo3'ment  and  delight ; 

Humility  and  holy  zeal 
Shone  through  his  life  divinely  bright. 


4.  GOOD  WORKS  TO  BE  DONE  THROUGH 
THE  GRACE  OF  CHRIST. 

Now  the  God  of  peace  make  you 
perfect  in  every  good  work  to  do  his 
will,  working  in  you  that  which  is  well 
pleasing  in  his  sight,  through  Jesus 
Christ ;  to  whom  be  glory  for  ever  and 
ever.     Heh.  xiii.  20,  21. 

Then  shall  we  do,  with  pure  delight, 
Whate'er  is  pleasing  in  thy  sight, 

As  vessels  of  thy  richest  grace  ; 
And  having  thy  whole  counsel  done. 
To  thee  and  thy  co-equal  Son 

Ascribe  the  everlasting  praise. 


54  APRIL. 

5.    GOOD  "WORKS  TO  BE  DONE  IX  THE 
NAME  OF  CHRIST. 

Whatsoever  ye  do  in  word  or  deed, 
do  all  ia  the  name  of  the  Lord  Jesus, 
giving  thanks  to  God  and  the  Father 
by  him.     Col.  iii.  17. 

Whate'er  I  say  or  do, 
Thy  glory  be  my  aim ; 
My  offerings  all  be  offered  through 
His  ever  blessed  name. 


6.  IMPROVEMENT  OP   TIME. 

Knowing  the  time,  that  now  it  is  high 
time  to  awake  out  of  sleep  :  for  now 
is  our  salvation  nearer  than  when  we 
believed.     Rom.  xiii.  11. 

The  time  is  short,  but  who  can  tell 
How  short  his  time  below  may  be  ? 

To-day  on  earth  his  soul  may  dwell, 
To-morrow  in  eternity. 


DUTIES — PERSONAL.  55 

7.      IMPROVEMENT  OF  PRIVILEGES. 

That  on  the  good  ground  are  they, 
which  in  an  honest  and  good  heart 
having  heard  the  word,  keep  it,  and 
bring  forth  fruit  with  patience.  Lnke 
viii.  15. 

Father  of  mercies,  we  have  need 

Of  thy  preparing  grace ; 
Let  the  same  hand  that  gives  the  seed 

Provide  a  fruitful  place. 


8.   IMPROVEMENT  OF  OPPORTUNITIES. 

Whatsoever  thy  hand  findeth  to  do, 
do  it  with  thy  might;  for  there  is  no 
work,  nor  device,  nor  knowledge,  nor 
wisdom,  in  the  grave,  whither  thou 
goest.     Eccles.  ix.  10. 

Whate'er  our  hands  shall  find  to  do, 
To-day  may  we  with  zeal  pursue  ; 
Seize  fleeting  moments  as  they  fly, 
And  live  as  we  would  wish  to  die. 


56  APRIL. 

9.  SPIRITUAL    DILIGENCE. 

This  one  thing  I  do,  forgetting  those 
things  which  are  behind,  and  reaching 
forth  unto  those  things  which  are 
before,  I  press  toward  the  mark  for  the 
prize  of  the  high  calling  of  God  in 
Christ  Jesus.     Phil.  iii.  13,  14. 

A  scrip  on  my  back,  and  a  staff  in  my  hand, 
I  march  on  in  haste  through  an  enemy's 

land : 
The  road  maybe  rough,  but  it  cannot  be  long, 
So  I'll  smooth  it  with  hone,  and  I'll  cheer  it 

with  song. 

10.  ENTIRE    CONSECRATION. 

Neither  yield  ye  your  members  as 
instruments  of  unrighteousness  unto 
sin  :  but  yield  yourselves  unto  God,  as 
those  that  are  alive  from  the  dead,  and 
your  members  as  instruments  of  right- 
eousness unto  God.     Rom.  vi.  13. 

Yield  to  the  Lord,  with  simple  heart, 
All  that  thou  hast,  and  all  thou  art  : 
Renounce  all  strength,  but  strength  divinei 
And  peace  shall  be  for  ever  thine. 


DUTIES — PERSONAL.       57 
11.  OPEN  PROFESSION  OF  CHRIST. 

Whosoever  shall  confess  me  beforo 
men,  him  will  I  confess  also  before  my 
Father  which  is  in  heaven.  3Ian.  x. 
32. 

Should  I,  to  gain  the  world's  applause, 
Or  to  escape  its  harmless  frown, 

Refuse  to  countenance  thy  cause, 
And  make  thy  people's  lot  my  own. 

What  shame  would  fill  me  in  that  day, 

When  thou  thy  glory  shalt  display ! 


12.  EVIL  APPEARANCES  TO  BE  AVOIDED. 

Abstain  from  all  appearance  of  evil. 
1  Thess.  V.  22. 

Our  Saviour  by  a  heavenly  birth 
Calls  us  to  holiness  on  earth, 
Bids  us  our  former  follies  hate, 
And  from  the  wicked  separate. 

We  must  have  holy  hearts  and  hands. 
And  feet  that  go  where  he  commands  ; 
A  holy  will  to  keep  his  ways. 
And  holy  lips  to  speak  his  praise. 


58  APRIL. 


13.  DILIGENCE  IN  KEEPING  THE  HEART. 

Keep  thy  heart  with  all  diligence ; 
for  out  of  it  are  the  issues  of  life. 
Prov.  iv.  23. 

Thy  business  be  to  keep  thy  heart, 

Each  passion  to  control ; 
Nobly  ambitious  well  to  rule 

The  empire  of  thy  soul. 


14.         SEARCH  THE  SCRIPTURES. 

Search  the  Scriptures ;  for  in  them  ye 
think  ye  have  eternal  life  :  and  they  are 
they  which  testify  of  me.    John  v.  39. 

Lord,  thy  teaching  grace  impart, 
That  we  may  not  read  in  vain  ; 

Write  thy  precepts  on  our  hpart. 
Make  thy  truths  and  doctrine  plain  ; 

Let  the  messagje  of  thy  love 

Guide  us  to  thy  rest  above. 


DUTIES — PERSONAL.  69 


15.  SECRET    PRAYER. 

Thou,  when  thou  prayest,  enter  into 
thy  closet,  and  when  thou  hast  shut 
thy  door,  pray  to  thy  Father  which  is 
in  secret;  and  thy  Father  which  seeth 
in  secret  shall  reward  thee  openly. 
Matt.  vi.  6. 

Far  from  the  paths  of  men,  to  thee 

I  solemnly  retire ; 
See  thou,  who  dost  in  secret  see, 

And  grant  my  heart's  desire. 


16.  THANKSGIVING. 

In  every  thing  give  thanks  :  for  this 
is  the  will  of  God  in  Christ  Jesus  con- 
cerning you,     1  These,  v.  18. 

Praise  to  God,  immortal  praise, 
For  the  love  that  crowns  our  days; 
Bounteous  Source  of  every  joy, 
Let  thy  praise  our  tongues  employ. 


60  APRIL. 

17.  MEDITATION. 

Hia  delight  is  in  the  law  of  the 
Lord ;  and  in  his  law  doth  he  meditate 
day  and  night.     Psalm  i.  2. 

I  love  in  solitude  to  shed 

The  penitential  tear ; 
And  all  his  promises  to  plead, 

When  none  but  God  is  near. 

I  love  to  think  on  mercies  past, 

And  future  good  implore ; 
And  all  my  cares  and  sorrow  cast, 

On  him  whom  I  adore. 


18.  SELF-EXAMINATION. 

Examine  yourselves,  whether  ye  be 
in  the  faith ;  prove  your  own  selves. 
2  Cor.  xiii.  5. 

At  evening  to  myself  I  say, 

My  soul,  where  hast  thou  gleaned  to  day  ? 

Thy  labours  how  bestowed? 
What  hast  thou  rightly  said  or  done  ? 
What  grace  attained,  or  knowledge  won, 

In  following  after  God  ? 


DUTIES— PERSONAL.  Gl 

19.    IN  PROSPERITY  TO  BE    HUMBLE. 

For  I  say,  through  the  grace  given 
unto  me,  to  every  man  that  is  among 
you,  not  to  think  of  himself  more 
highly  than  he  ought  to  think.  Rom, 
xii.  3. 

Lord,  if  thou  thy  grace  impart, 
Poor  in  spirit,  meek  in  heart, 
I  shall,  as  my  Saviour,  be 
Rooted  in  humility : 
Pleased  with  all  the  Lord  provides, 
Weaned  from  all  the  world  besides. 


20.     m  ADVERSITY  TO  TRUST  GOD . 

Who  is  among  you  that  feareth  the 
Lord,  that  obeyeth  the  voice  of  hia 
servant,  that  walketh  in  darkness,  and 
hath  no  light  ?  let  him  trust  in  the 
name  of  the  Lord,  and  stay  upon  his 
God.     ha.  1.  10. 

If  Providence  our  comforts  shroud. 

And  dark  distresses  lower, 
Hope  paints  its  rainbow  on  the  cloud, 

And  grace  shines  through  the  shower. 


62  APRIL. 

21.  SELF-GOVERNMENT. 

He  that  is  slow  to  anger  is  better  than 
the  mighty  ;  and  he  that  ruleth  his 
spirit  than  he  thattaketh  a  city.  Prov. 
xvi.  32. 

Happy  the  man,  whose  cautious  steps 

Still  keep  the  golden  mean  ; 
Whose  life,  by  Scripture  rules  well  formed. 

Declares  a  conscience  clean. 


22.  SELF-DENIAL. 

All  things  are  lawful  for  me,  but  all 
things  are  not  expedient  :  all  things 
are  lawful  for  me,  but  all  things  edify 
not.     1  Cor.  X.  23. 

Lord,  ever  let  me  freely  j'ield 

what  most  I  prize  to  thee, 
Who  never  hast  a  good  withheld, 

Or  wilt  withhold  from  me. 
Thy  favour  all  my  journey  through, 

Thou  art  engaged  to  grant ; 
What  else  I  want,  or  think  I  do, 

'Tis  better  still  to  want. 


DUTIES — PEBSONAIi.  63 

23.  CONTENTMENT. 

Be  content  •with  such  things  as  ye 
have  :  for  he  hath  said,  I  will  never 
leave  thee,  nor  forsake  thee.  Heh.  xiii. 
5. 

Since  he  has  said  "I'll  ne'er  depart," 

I'll  bind  his  promise  to  my  heart. 
Rejoicing  in  his  care  : 

This  shall  support  while  here  I  live. 

And  when  in  glory  I  arrive, 
I'll  praise  him  for  it  there. 

24.  PATIENCE. 

Ye  have  need  of  patience,  that,  after 
ye  have  done  the  will  of  God,  ye  might 
receive  the  promise.     Heh.  x.  36. 

I  would  submit  to  all  thy  will, 
For  thou  art  good  and  wise ; 

Let  every  anxious  thought  be  still. 
Nor  one  faint  murmur  rise. 

Thy  love  can  cheer  the  darksome  gloom. 

And  bid  me  wait  serene, 
Till  hopes  and  joys  immortal  bloom 

And  brighten  all  the  scene. 


#4  APRIL. 

25.  MEEKNESS. 

Walk  worthy  of  the  vocation  where- 
with ye  are  called,  with  all  lowliness 
and  meekness,  with  long  suffering,  for- 
bearing one  another  in  love.  Eph.  iv. 
2. 

Meekness,  humility,  and  love, 
Did  through  thy  couduct  shine ; 

Oh  may  my  whole  deportmeut  prove 
A  copy,  Lord,  of  thine. 


26.  TEMPERANCE. 

Take  heed  to  yourselves,  lest  at  any 
time  your  hearts  be  overcharged  with 
surfeiting,  and  drunkenness,  and  cares 
of  this  life,  and  so  that  day  come  upon 
you  unawares.     Ltilce  -xxi.  34. 

The  world  employs  its  various  snares, 
Of  hopes  and  pleasures,  pains  and  cares, 

And  chained  to  earth  I  lie  : 
"When  shall  my  fettered  powers  be  free, 
And  leave  these  seats  of  vanity, 

And  upward  learn  to  fly  ? 


DUTIES — PERSONAL.  65 

27.  GRAVITY  AND    SINCERITY. 

In  all  tbings  showing  thj'self  a  pat- 
tern of  good  works  :  in  doctrine  show- 
ing uncorruptness,  gravity,  sincerity. 
Titus  ii.  7. 

Pure  may  I  be,  averse  to  sin, 

Just,  holy,  merciful,  and  true ; 

And  let  thine  image  formed  within, 

Shine  out  in  all  I  speak  or  do. 

28.  WATCHFULNESS. 

Blessed  are  those  servants,  whom  the 
Lord  when  he  cometh  shall  find  watch- 
ing :  verily  I  say  unto  you,  that  he 
shall  gird  himself,  and  make  them  to 
sit  down  to  meat,  and  will  come  forth 
and  serve  them.     Ltike  xii.  37. 

Arm  me  with  jealous  care, 
As  in  ttiy  sight  to  live  : 
And  oh,  thy  servant,  Lord,  prepare, 
A  strict  account  to  give. 

Help  me  to  watch  and  pray, 
And  on  thyself  rely ; 
Assured  if  I  my  trust  betray, 
I  shall  for  ever  die. 
5 


66  APRIL. 

29.  DILIGENCE  IN  WORLDLY  CALLING. 

Study  to  be  quiet,  and  to  do  your 
own  business,  and  to  work  with  your 
own  hands,  as  we  commanded  you. 
1  Thess.  iv.  11. 

Midst  hourly  cares,  may  love  present 

Its  incense  to  tby  throne; 
And  while  the  world  our  hands  employs, 

Our  hearts  be  thine  alone. 


30.  EMINENT  HOLINESS  THE  DESIRE 
OF  THE  BELIEVER. 

Not  as  though  I  had  already  attained, 
either  were  already  perfect  :  but  I  fol- 
low after,  if  that  I  may  apprehend  that 
for  which  also  I  am  apprehended  of 
Jesus  Christ.     Phil.  iii.  12. 

Oh  for  a  closer  walk  with  God, 

A  calm  and  heavenly  frame, 

A  \\%ht  to  shine  upon  the  road 

That  leads  me  to  the  Lamb  ? 


MAT. 


DUTIES  OF  THE  BELIEVER 
—IN  THE  CHURCH. 


1.  TO  SHOW  FORTH  THE  PRAISES  OF  GOD. 

Ye  are  a  chosen  generation,  a  royal 
priesthood,  an  holy  nation,  a  peculiar 
people  ;  that  ye  should  show  forth  the 
praises  of  him  who  hath  called  you  out 
of  darkness  into  his  marvellous  light. 
1  Pet.  ii.  9. 

Not  by  your  words  alone, 

But  by  your  actions  show 
How  much  from  him  you  have  received, 

How  much  to  him  you  owe. 

(67) 


68  VAT. 

2.      TO  DEPART  FROM  ALL  INIQUITY. 

Let  every  one  that  nameth  the  name 
of  Christ  depart  from  iniquity.  2  Tim, 
ii.  19. 

Faith  must  obey  her  Father's  will, 
As  well  as  trust  his  grace; 

A  pardoning  God  is  jealous  still 
For  his  own  holiness. 


3.      STEADFASTNESS  IN  THE  FAITH. 

Stand  fast  in  the  liberty  wherewitli 
Christ  hath  made  us  free,  and  be  not 
entangled  again  with  the  yoke  of  bond- 
age.    Gal.  V.  1. 

From  Egypt  lately  freed 

By  the  Redeemer's  grace, 
A  rough  and  thorny  path  we  tread 

In  hopes  to  see  his  face. 
The  flesh  dislikes  the  way. 

But  faith  approves  it  well ; 
This  only  leads  to  endless  day, 

All  others  lead  to  hell. 


DUTIES — CHURCH. 


4.  ZEAL  IN  DEFENCE  OP  THE  GOSPEL. 

— exhort  you  that  ye  should  earnestly 
contend  for  the  faith  which  was  once 
delivered  unto  the  saints.     Jude  3. 

In  the  conquests  of  thy  might, 
May  I  loyally  delight : 
In  thy  ever-spreading  reign, 
Triumph  as  my  greatest  gain ; 
Make  me  conscious  by  this  sign, 
Gracious  Saviour,  I  am  thine. 


5.  ZEAL  FOR  GOOD  T70RKS. 

Let  us  consider  one  another  to  pro- 
voke unto  love  and  to  good  works. 
Heh.  X.  24:. 

Awake,  my  soul,  awake,  my  love, 
And  serve  my  Saviour  here  below, 

In  works  which  all  the  saints  above 
And  holy  angels  cannot  do. 


70  MAY. 

6.         ZEAL  FOR  DIVINE  WORSHIP. 

Not  forsaking  the  assembling  of  our- 
selves together,  as  the  manner  of  some 
is ;  but  exhorting  one  another  :  and  so 
much  the  more,  as  ye  see  the  day  ap- 
proaching.    Heb.  X.  25. 

Oh  let  me  always  find  a  place, 
Within  the  temples  of  thy  grace ; 
Till  God  command  my  last  remove, 
To  dwell  in  temples  made  above ! 


7.   CONCERN  FOR  THE  PEACE  OF  THE 
CHIJRCH. 

Be  perfect,  be  of  good  comfort,  be 
of  one  mind,  live  in  peace;  and  the 
God  of  love  and  peace  shall  be  with 
you.     2  Cor.  xiii.  11. 

Make  us  of  one  heart  and  mind, 
Courteous,  pitiful,  and  kind  ; 
Lowly,  meek  in  thought  and  word, 
Altogether  like  our  Lord. 


DITTIES— CHURCH.  71 

8.   CONCERN  FOR  THE  PROSPERITY  OP 
THE  CHURCH. 

Peace  be  within  thy  walls,  and  pros- 
perity within  thy  palaces.  Psa.  cxxii. 
7. 

For  our  dear  brethren's  sake, 

Zion,  we  wish  thee  peace; 
Prosper,  oh !  prosper  long, 
And  may  thy  sons  increase: 
We  seek  thy  good,  we  love  the  road, 
Which  leads  us  to  God's  blest  abode. 


9.  MUTUAL  LOVE. 

Walk  in  love,  as  Christ  also  hath 
loved  us,  and  hath  given  himself  for 
us  an  offering  and  a  sacrifice  to  God 
for  a  sweet-smelling  savour.  Ejyh.  v.  2. 

Among  the  saints  on  earth 
Let  mutual  love  be  found ; 
Heirs  of  the  same  inheritance, 
With  mutual  blessings  crowned. 


72  MAY. 


10  MUTT7AL    STJBJECTION. 

All  of  you  be  subject  one  to  another, 
and  be  clothed  with  humility  :  for  God 
resisteth  the  proud,  and  giveth  grace 
to  the  humble.     1  Peter  v.  5. 
Lord,  for  ever  at  thy  side 

May  my  place  and  portion  be ; 
Strip  me  of  the  robe  of  pride; 
Clothe  me  with  humility. 


11.  MUTUAL  HONOUR. 

Let  nothing  be  done  through  strife 
or  vainglory  ;  but  in  lowliness  of  mind 
let  each  esteem  other  better  than  them- 
selves.    Phil.  ii.  3. 

Oh  let  each  esteem  his  brother 
Better  than  himself  to  be; 

And  let  each  prefer  another, 
Full  of  love,  from  envy  free : 

Happy  are  we. 
When  in  this  we  all  agree. 


DUTIES — CHURCH.  73 


12.  MUTUAL  FORBEARANCE. 

Forbearing  one  another,  and  forgiv- 
ing one  another,  if  any  man  have  a 
quarrel  against  any  :  even  as  Christ 
forgave  you,  so  also  do  ye.  Col.  iii.  13. 

May  we  each  with  each  agree, 
Through  thy  uniting  grace  : 

Our  gift  shall  thine  accepted  be, 
Our  life  be  love  and  praise. 


13.  MUTUAL   CANDOUR. 

Judge  not,  that  ye  be  not  judged. 
Why  beholdest  thou  the  mote  that  is 
in  thy  brother's  eye,  but  considerest 
not  the  beam  that  is  in  thine  own  eye  ? 
Matt.  vii.  1,  3. 

Make  us,  by  thy  transforming  grace, 
Great  Saviour,  daily  more  like  thee; 

Thy  fair  example  may  we  trace, 
To  teach  us  what  we  ought  to  be. 


74  MAY. 

14.  MUTUAL  FORGIVENESS. 

Be  ye  kind  onie  to  another,  tender- 
hearted, forgiving  one  another,  even 
as  God  for  Christ's  sake  hath  forgive'* 
you.     Ei)h.  iv.  32. 

"  Is  Christ  divided  ?"    What  can  part 
The  members  from  the  Head  ? 

Oh  how  should  those  be  one  in  heart 
For  whom  our  Saviour  bled  1 


15.  MUTUAL  ADMONITION. 

I  myself  am  persuaded  of  you,  my 
brethren,  that  ye  also  are  full  of  good- 
ness, filled  with  all  knowledge,  able 
also  to  admonish  one  another.  Rom. 
XV.  14. 

Bonds  of  everlasting  love 
Draw  our  souls  in  union 

To  our  Father's  house  above, 
To  the  saints'  communion. 

Thither  may  our  hopes  ascend, 

There  may  all  our  labours  end. 


DUTIES — CHURCH.  75 


16.        MUTUAL  CONSOLATION  AND 
EDIFICATION. 

Comfort  yourselves  together,  and 
edify  one  another,  even  as  also  ye  do. 
1  Thes8.  V.  11. 

While  we  journey,  let  us 
Help  each  other  on  the  road; 

Foes  on  every  side  beset  us, 

Snares  through  all  the  way  are  strewed ; 

It  behoves  us, 
Each  to  bear  a  brother's  load. 


17.  MUTUAL  INTERCESSION. 

Pray  one  for  another. — The  effectual 
fervent  prayer  of  a  righteous  man 
availeth  much.     James  v.  16. 

Before  our  Father's  throne 
"We  pour  our  ardent  prayers  ; 
Our  fears,  our  hopes,  our  aims  are  on^— 
Our  comforts  and  our  cares. 


76  MAY. 

18.  UNITY  OF  SENTIMENT. 

Whereto  we  have  already  attained, 
let  us  walk  by  the  same  rule,  let  us 
mind  the  same  thing.     Phil.  iii.  16. 

Bound  to  one  Lorcl,  by  common  vow 

In  one  great  enterprise; 
One  faith,  one  hope,  one  centre  now, 

Our  common  home,  the  skies. 


19.  UNITY  OF  JUDGMENT. 

I  beseech  yon,  brethren,  by  the  name 
of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  that  ye  all 
speak  the  same  thing,  and  that  there 
be  no  divisions  among  you ;  but  that 
ye  be  perfectly  joined  together  in  the 
same  mind  and  in  the  same  judgment. 
1  Cor.  i.  10. 

Lord  subdue  our  selfish  will, 
Each  to  each  our  tempers  stilt, 

By  thy  modulating  skill, 
Heart  to  heart;  as  lute  to  lute. 


DUTIES — CHURCH.        77 


20.        UNITED  PRAYER. 

Where  two  or  three  are  gathered 
together  in  my  name,  there  am  I  in  the 
midst  of  them.     Jltitt.  xviii.  20. 

Where  two  or  three  with  sweet  accord, 
Obedient  to  their  sovereign,  Lord, 
Meet  to  recount  his  acts  of  grace, 
And  ofifer  solemn  prayer  and  praise ; 
There,  saith  the  Saviour,  will  I  be 
Amid  the  little  company. 


21.  UNITED  PRAISE. 

Teaching  and  admonishing  one  ano- 
ther in  psalms  and  hymns  and  spiritual 
songs,  singing  with  grace  in  your 
hearts  to  the  Lord.     Col.  iii.  16. 

Teach  us,  though  in  a  world  of  sin, 
Heaven's  blest  employment  to  begin. 
To  sing  our  great  Redeemer's  praise  ; 
And  love  his  name,  and  learn  his  ways. 


78  MAT. 

22.  PIOUS     CONVERSATION'. 

Let  no  corrupt  communication  pro- 
ceed out  of  your  mouth,  but  that  which 
is  good  to  the  use  of  edifying,  that  it 
may  minister  grace  unto  the  hearers. 
Eph.  iv.  29, 

Wheresoever  two  or  three 
Meet,  a  Christian  company, 
Grant  us.  Lord,  to  meet  with  thee  : 

Gracious  Saviour,  hear ! 
When  with  friends  beloved  we  stray, 
Talking  down  the  closing  day, 
Saviour,  meet  us  in  the  way  : 

Gracious  Saviour,  hear ! 


23.      COMPASSION  FOR  THE  WEAK. 

"We  that  are  strong  ought  to  bear 
the  infirmities  of  the  v?eak,  and  not  to 
please  ourselves.     Rom.  xv.  1. 

When  weaker  Christians  we  despise, 
We  do  the  great  Redeemer  wrong ; 

For  God,  the  gracious  and  the  wise, 
Receives  the  feeble  with  the  strong. 


DUTIES— CHURCH.  79 


24.  COMPASSION  FOR  THE  AFFLICTED . 

Remember  them  that  are  in  bonds, 
as  bound  with  them  ;  and  them  which 
suffer  adversity,  as  being  yourselves 
also  in  the  body.     Heh.  xiii.  3. 

With  pity  let  my  breast  o'erflow, 
When  1  behold  another's  woe  ; 
And  bear  a  sympathizing  part, 
Whene'er  I  meet  a  wounded  heart. 


25.        COMPASSION  FOR  THE  POOR. 

As  we  have  therefore  opportunity, 
let  us  do  good  unto  all  men,  especially 
unto  them  who  are  of  the  household 
of  faith.     Gal.  vi.  10, 

Awake,  my  charity,  and  feed 

The  hungry  soul,  and  clothe  the  poor ; 
In  heaven  are  found  no  sons  of  need, 

There  all  these  duties  are  no  more. 


80  MAY. 

26.  COMPASSION  TO  THOSE  WHO  HAVE 
ERRED. 

Brethren,  if  a  man  be  overtaken  in 
a  fault,  ye  which  are  spiritual,  restore 
such  an  one  in  the  spirit  of  meekness  ; 
considering  thyself,  lest  thou  also  be 
tempted.     Gal.  vi.  1. 

Lord,  we  would  strive,  and  hope,  and  wait, 
The  offending  still  to  reinstate ; 
And  when  a  broken  heart  we  view, 
Our  Christian  friendship  quick  renew. 


27.        FREEDOM  FROM  SLANDER. 

Speak  not  evil  one  of  another,  bre- 
thren. He  that  speaketh  evil  of  his 
brother,  and  judgeth  his  brother,  speak- 
eth evil  of  the  law,  and  judgeth  the 
law  :  but  if  thou  judge  the  law,  thou 
art  not  a  doer  of  the  law,  but  a  judge. 
James  iv.  11. 

Love  is  a  pure  and  heavenly  flame, 
And  much  regards  a  brother's  name ; 
It  hopeth  all  things,  and  believes, 
Nor  easily  a  charge  receives. 


DUTIES — CHURCH.  81 

28.      ESTEEM  FOR  THE    MINISTRY. 

We  beseech  you  to  know  them  which 
labour  among  you,  and  are  over  you  in 
the  Lord,  and  admonish  you ;  and  to 
esteem  them  very  highly  in  love  for 
their  work's  sake.     1  Thesa.  v.  12,  13. 
How  beauteous  are  their  feet, 
Who  stand  on  Zion's  hill ; 
Who  bring  salvation  on  their  tongues, 
And  words  of  peace  reveal! 


29.      PRAYER  FOR  THE  MINISTRY. 

Praying  always  with  all  prayer  and 
supplication  in  the  Spirit ; — and  for  me, 
that  utterance  may  be  given  unto  me, 
that  I  may  open  my  mouth  boldly,  to 
make  known  the  mystery  of  the  gospel. 
Eph.  vi.  18,  19. 

With  heavenly  power,  0  Lord,  defend 
Those  whom  we  now  to  thee  commend, 
Thy  faithful  messengers  secure, 
And  make  them  to  the  end  endure. 
Q 


82  MAT. 

30.    rXBELIEF  SHOrLD  BE  GUAEDED 
AGAINST. 

Take  heed,  brethren,  lest  there  be  in 
any  of  vou  an  evil  heart  of  unbelief,  in 
departing  from  the  living  God,  Heh. 
iii.  12. 

How  oft.  deceived  bv  self  .ind  pride, 
Has  my  we.^k  he.art  been  turned  aside, 
And.  Jonah-like,  has  fled  from  thee, 
Till  thou  hast  looked  again  on  me ! 


31.      CArXIOX  AGAINST  APOSTASY. 

Looking  diligently  lest  any  man  fail 
of  the  grace  of  God  ;  lest  any  root  of 
bitterness  springing  up  trouble  you, 
and  thereby  many  be  defiled.  Heh. 
xii.  15. 

What  bright  exchange,  what  treasure  shall 

be  given. 
For  the  lost  birthright  of  a  hope  in  heaven  ? 
If  lost  the  gem  which  empires  could  not  buy, 
What  yet  remains  ? — a  dark  eternity. 


JUNE. 


DUTIES  OF  THE  BELIEVER 
—IN  THE  WORLD. 


1.   BELIEVERS  ARE  THE  SALT  OP  THE 
EARTH. 

Ye  are  the  salt  of  the  earth  :  bixt  if  the 
salt  have  lost  his  savour,  wherewith 
shall  it  be  salted  ?  it  is  thenceforth 
good  for  nothing,  but  to  be  cast  out, 
and  to  be  trodden  under  foot  of  men. 
Matt.  V.  13. 

Strive  thou  with  studious  care  to  find 

Some  good  thy  hands  may  do  ; 
Some  way  to  serve  and  bless  mankind, 
Console  the  heart,  relieve  the  mind, 
And  open  comforts  new. 

(83) 


84  JUNE. 

2.  BELIEVERS  ARE  THE  LIGHT  OF  THE 
WORLD. 

Ye  are  the  light  of  the  world.  3fatt. 
V.  14. 

Walk  in  the  light — and  thine  shall  he 
A  path,  though  stormy,  bright ; 

For  (jod  in  love  shall  dwell  with  thee— 
And  God  himself  is  light. 


3.  THE  UNIVERSAL  RULE  OF  EQUITY. 

All  things  whatsoever  ye  would  that 
men  should  do  to  you,  do  ye  even  so  to 
them  :  for  this  is  the  law  and  the  pro- 
phets.    Matt.  vii.  12. 

Blessed  Redeemer,  how  divine, 
How  righteous  is  this  rule  of  thine, 
To  do  to  all  men  just  the  same 
As  we  expect  or  wish  from  them ! 

How  blest  would  every  nation  prove 
Thus  ruled  by  equity  and  love  ! 
All  would  be  friends  without  a  foe, 
And  form  a  paradise  below. 


DUTIES — WORLD.        85 
4.  TO  GLORIFY  GOD  BY  HOLY  CONDUCT. 

I  beseech  you  as  strangers  and  pil- 
grims, abstain  from  fleshly  lusts,  'which 
war  against  the  soul ;  having  your  con- 
versation honest  among  the  Gentiles. 
1  Pet.  ii.  11. 

Help  thy  servant  to  maintain 
A  professioQ  free  from  stain  ; 
That  my  sole  reproach  may  be, 
rollowing  Christ,  and  fearing  thee. 


5.    ABOUNDING  IN  THE  WORK  OF  THE 
LORD. 

My  beloved  brethren,  be  ye  stead- 
fast, unmovable,  always  abounding  in 
the  work  of  the  Lord,  forasmuch  as  ye 
know  that  your  labour  is  not  in  vain 
in  the  Lord.     1  Cor.  xv.  58. 

Sow  in  the  morn  thy  seed, 
At  eve  hold  not  thy  hand, 
To  doubt  and  fear  give  thou  no  heed, 
Broad-cast  it  round  thy  land. 


86  JTJITE. 

6.  DECISION  OP  CHARACTER. 

No  man  can  serve  two  masters  :  for 
either  he  will  hate  the  one,  and  love 
the  other ;  or  else  he  will  hold  to  the 
one,  and  despise  the  other.  Ye  cannot 
serve  God  and  mammon.  3Iatt.  vi.  24. 

Not  a  broken,  brief  obedience 

Does  the  Lord  of  heaven  demand; 
He  requires  our  whole  allegiance. 
Words  and  deeds,  and  heart  and  hand  : 
God  will  hold  divided  sway 
With  no  deity  of  clay. 


7.  HOLY  EXAMPLE. 

Let  your  light  so  shine  hefore  men, 
that  they  may  see  your  good  works, 
and  glorify  your  Father  which  is  in 
heaven.     Matt,   v.  16. 

So  let  our  lips  and  lives  express 
The  holy  gospel  we  profess  ; 
So  let  our  works  and  virtues  shine 
To  prove  the  doctrine  all  divine. 


DUTIES— WORLD.  8? 

8       LIVE  IN  PEACE  WITH  ALL  MEN. 

If  it  be  possible,  as  mueli  as  liethin 
you,  live  peaceably  with  all  men.  Horn. 
xii.  18. 

His  purpose  is  that  we  should  hear 

His  image  now  on  earth, 
And  by  our  peaceful  lives  declare 
Our  new  and  heavenly  birth. 


9.  LOVE  TO  OUR  NEIGHBOUR. 

If  ye  fulfil  the  royal  law  according 
to  the  scripture.  Thou  shalt  love  thy 
neighbour    as    thyself,    ye    do    well. 
James  ii.  8. 
Love  lays  its  own  advantage  by 
To  seek  its  neighbour's  good ; 
So  God's  own  Son  came  down  to  die, 
And  bought  our  lives  with  blood. 

Love  is  the  grace  that  keeps  its  power 

In  all  the  realms  above  ; 
There  faith  and  hope  are  known  no  more, 

But  saints  for  ever  love. 


88  JUNE. 


10.    SEEK  THE  EDIFICATION  OP  OTIR 
NEIGHBOUR. 

Let  everyone  of  us  please  his  neigh- 
bour for  his  good  to  edification.  Mom, 
XV.  2. 

May  I  from  every  act  abstain, 
That  hurts  or  gives  another  pain : 
Still  may  I  feel  my  heart  inclined 
To  be  the  friend  of  all  mankind. 


11.  LOVE  TO  ALL   MEN. 

The  Lord  make  you  to  increase  and 
abound  in  love  one  toward  another, 
and  toward  all  men,  even  as  we  do 
toward  you.     1  These,  iii.  12. 

May  love,  that  shining  grace, 
O'er  all  my  powers  preside  ; 
Direct  my  thoughts,  suggest  my  words. 
And  every  action  guide. 


DUTIES — "WORLD. 


12.  TO  SEEK  THE  SALVATION  OF  OTHERS. 

He  which  converteth  the  sinner  from 
the  error  of  his  way  shall  save  a  soul 
from  death,  and  shall  hide  a  multitude 
of  sins.     James  v.  20. 

My  God,  I  feel  the  mournful  scene  ; 

Mj"^  bowels  yearn  o'er  dying  men  ; 

And  fain  my  pity  would  reclaim, 

And  snatch  the  firebrands  from  the  flame. 


13.        GIVE  DUE  HONOUR  TO  ALL. 

Render  to  all  their  dues  :  tribute  to 
whom  tribute  is  due  ;, custom  to  whom 
custom  ;  fear  to  whom  fear;  honour  to 
whom  honour.     Rom.  xiii.  7. 

Long  as  the  moon  her  course  shall  run, 
Or  man  behold  the  circling  sun. 

Do  thou  amidst  our  nation  reign  ; 
Still  crown  her  counsels  with  success, 
"With  peace  and  joy  her  borders  bless, 

And  all  her  sacred  rights  maintain. 


90  JUNE. 

14.  CONSISTEXCT. 

That  ye  may  be  blameless  and  harm- 
less, the  sons  of  God,  without  rebuke, 
in  the  midst  of  a  crooked  and  perverse 
nation,  among  whom  ye  shine  as  lights 
in  the  world.     Phil.  ii.  15. 

That  ■wi?dom,  Lord,  on  us  bestow 

From  every  evil  to  depart, 
To  stop  the  mouth  of  every  foe, 

"While  upright  both  in  life  and  heart, 
The  proof  of  godly  fear  we  give, 
And  show  them  how  the  Christians  live. 


15.  CIRCrMSPECTION. 

See  then  that  ye  walk  circumspectly, 
not  as  fools,  but  as  wise  ;  redeeming 
the  time,  because  the  days  are  evil. 
Eph.  V.  15,  16. 

Let  every  flying  hour  confess 
I  gain  the  gospel  fresh  renown  : 

And  when  my  life  and  lal-ours  cease, 
May  I  possess  the  promised  crown. 


DUTIES — WORLD.  91 


16.  DISCRETION. 

A  good  man  sheweth  favour,  and 
lendeth  :  he  will  guide  his  affairs  with 
discretion.     Psalm  cxii.  5. 

Believers  love  what  God  commands, 

And  in  his  ways  delight ; 
Their  gracious  words,  and  holy  hands 

Show  that  their  faith  is  right. 
Their  converse  is  with  God  above, 

Their  labours  bless  mankind; 
Their  works  of  mercy,  peace,  and  love, 

Through  Christ  acceptance  find. 


17»  MODERATION. 

Let  your  moderation  be  known  unto 
all  men.  The  Lord  is  at  hand.  Phil. 
iv.  5. 

"We'll  look  on  all  the  toys  below 
With  such  disdain  as  angels  do; 
And  wait  the  call  that  bids  us  rise 
To  mansions  promised  in  the  skies. 


92  JUNE. 

18.  FORBEARANCE. 

Dearly  beloved,  avenge  not  your- 
selves, but  rather  give  place  unto 
wrath  :  for  it  is  writtea,  Vengeance  is 
mine ;  I  will  repay,  saith  the  Lord. 
Rom.  xii.  19. 

May  I  feel  beneath  my  wrongs 
Vengeance  to  the  Lord  belongs: 
Nor  a  worse  requital  dare, 
Than  the  meek  revenge  of  prayer: 
Much  forgiven,  may  I  learn, 
Love  for  hatred  to  return. 


19.  INDTJSTRT, 

Let  a  man  labour,  working  with  his 
hands  the  thing  which  is  good,  that  he 
may  have  to  give  to  him  that  needeth. 
Eph.  iv.  28. 

To  thee  my  very  life  I  owe ; 
From  thee  do  all  my  comforts  flow; 
And  every  blessing  which  I  need 
Must  from  thy  bounteous  hand  proceed. 


DUTIES — WORLD.  93 

20.  INTEGRITY. 

That  ye  may  walk  honestly  toward 
tbem  that  are  without,  and  that  ye  may 
have  lack  of  nothing.     1  Thess.  iv.  12. 

Come,  let  us  search  our  ways  and  try, 

Have  they  been  just  and  right  ? 
Is  the  great  rule  of  equity 

Our  practice  and  delight  ? 
In  all  -we  sell,  in  all  we  buy, 

Is  justice  our  design  ? 
Do  we  remember  God  is  nigh, 

And  fear  the  wrath  Divine  ? 


21.  FIDELITY. 

He  that  is  faithful  in  that  which  is 
least  is  faithful  also  in  much  :  and  he 
that  is  unjust  in  the  least  is  unjust  also 
in  much.     Luhe  xvi.  10. 

Thy  gifts  are  only  then  enjoyed 
When  used  as  talents  lent; 

Those  talents  only  well  employed 
When  in  Ilis  service  spent. 


94  JUNE. 


22.  TRUTH  AND  SINCERITY. 

Wherefore,  putting  away  lying, 
speak  every  man  truth  with  his  neigh- 
bour :  for  we  are  members  one  of 
another.     Eph.  iv.  25. 

Let  those  who  bear  the  Christian  name 

Their  holy  vows  fulfil; 
The  saints,  the  followers  of  the  Lamb, 

Are  men  of  honour  still. 


23.      GENTLENESS  AND  MEEKNESS. 

To  speak  evil  of  no  man,  to  be  no 
brawlers,  but  gentle,  showing  all  meek- 
ness to  all  men.     Tit.  iii.  2. 

Blest  are  the  men  of  peaceful  life, 
■Who  quench  the  coals  of  groAving  strife, 
They  shall  he  called  the  heirs  of  bliss, 
The  sous  of  God,  the  sous  of  peace. 


DUTIES— "WORLD.  Vd 

24.  BENEVOLENCE. 

Pure  religion  and  undefiled  before 
God  and  the  Father  is  this,  To  visit 
the  fatherless  and  widows  in  their 
aflSiiction,  and  to  keep  himself  unspot- 
ted from  the  world.     James  1.  27. 

The  poor  are  always  with  us  here: 
'Tis  our  great  Father's  plan, 

That  mutual  wants  and  mutual  care 
Should  bind  us  man  to  man. 


25.      OVERCOME  EVIL  WITH  GOOD. 

If  thine  enemy  hunger,  feed  him  :  if 
he  thirst,  give  him  drink  :  for  in  so 
doing  thou  shalt  heap  coals  of  fire  cm 
his  head.  Be  not  overcome  of  evil,  but 
overcome  evil  with  good.  Horn.  xii. 
20,  21. 

Thus  artists  melt  the  sullen  ore  of  lead, 
With  heaping  coals  of  fire  upon  its  head  ; 
In  the  kind  warmth  the  metal  learns  to  glow, 
And  loose  from  dross  the  silver  runs  below. 


96  JUNE. 

26.  PERSEVERANCE  IN  DOING  GOOD. 

Let  us  not  be  weary  in  well  doing 
for  in  due  season  we  shall  reap  if  vfi 
faint  not.     Gal.  vi.  9. 

Meek  pilgrim  Zionward,  if  thou 
Hast  put  thy  hand  unto  the  plough, 
Oh  look  not  back,  nor  droop  dismayed, 
At  thought  of  victory  delayed  : 
Doubt  not  that  thou,  iu  season  due, 
Shalt  own  his  gracious  promise  true ; 
And  thou  shalt  share  their  glorious  lot. 
Whom  doing  well  hath  wearied  not. 


27.        SUBMISSION  TO  AUTHORITT. 

Put  them  in  mind  to  be  subject  to 
principalities  and  powers,  to  obey  ma- 
gistrates, to  be  ready  to  every  good 
work.     Titus  iii.  1. 

Lord,  thou  hast  bid  thy  people  pray 
For  all  that  bear  the  sovereign  sway, 

Who  as  thy  servants  reign  ; 
Rulers,  and  governors,  and  powers^— 
Behold,  in  faUh  we  pray  for  ours  ; 

Nor  let  us  plead  iu  vain. 


duties — world.  97 

28.  universal  holiness  the 

believer's  aim. 
Whatsoever  things  are  true,  •what- 
soever things  are  honest,  whatsoever 
things  are  just,  whatsoever  things  are 
pure,  whatsoever  things  are  lovely, 
whatsoever  things  are  of  good  report ; 
if  there  be  any  virtue,  and  if  there 
be  any  praise,  think  on  these  things. 
Phil.  iv.  8. 

Father  of  eternal  grace, 
Glorify  thyself  in  me  ; 
Meekly  beaming  in  my  face, 
May  the  world  thine  image  see 

29.  believer's  humble  confession. 
So  likewise  ye,  when  ye  shall  have 

done  all  those  things  which  are  com- 
manded you,  say,  We  are  unprofitable 
Bervants  :  we  have  done  that  which 
was  our  duty  to  do.     Luhe  xvii.  10. 

My  present  triumphs,  and  mj'  past, 

Are  thine,  and  must  be  to  the  last ; 

And  if  the  crown  of  life  I  wear. 

Thy  hand  alone  must  place  it  there. 
7 


98  JUNE. 

30.  THE  GREAT  MOTIVE  TO  ALL  DUTY. 

Ye  are  not  your  own  ;   for   ye  are 

bought  with  a  price  :  therefore  glorify 
God  in  your  body,  and  in  your  spirit 
which  are  God's.     lCo>:  vi.  19,  20. 

Oh  !  grant  us,  Lord,  to  feel  and  own 

The  power  of  loTe  divine  ; 
The  blood  which  doth  for  sin  atone, 

The  grace  which  makes  us  thine. 


JULY. 


JOYS  OF  THE  BELIEVER. 


1.  JOY  IN  GOD. 

Let  all  those  that  put  their  trust  in 
thee  rejoice  :  let  them  ever  shout  for 
joy,  because  thou  defendest  them  :  let 
them  also  that  love  thy  name  be  joyful 
in  thee.     Psalm  v.  11. 

When  with  his  smiles  my  soul  he  deigns  to 
bless, 
Nor  cares  nor  crosses  can  my  peace  destroy, 
Possessing  all  things  if  I  him  possess, 
Enjoying  all  things  if  I  him  enjov. 
(99) 


100  JULY. 


2.  JOY  IN  CHRIST. 

We  are  the  circumcision,  which  wor- 
ship God  ia  the  spirit,  and  rejoice  in 
Christ  Jesus,  and  have  no  confidence 
in  the  flesh.     Phil.  iii.  3. 

The  opening  heavens  around  me  shine 

With  beams  of  sacred  bliss, 
While  Jesus  shows  his  heart  is  mine, 

And  whispers,  I  am  his. 


3.  JOY  IN  THE  HOLY  GHOST. 

The  kingdom  of  God  is  not  meat  and 
drink  ;  but  righteousness,  and  peace, 
and  joy  in  the  Holy  Ghost.  Bom.  xiv. 
17. 

Holy  Ghost,  dispel  our  sadness, 
Pierce  the  cloud  of  sinful  night ; 

Come,  thou  source  of  joy  and  gladnesP, 
Breathe  thy  life,  and  shed  thy  light. 


believer's  jots.  101 

4.     the  gospel  a  source  of  joy. 

Blessed  is  the  people  that  know  the 
joyful  sound  :  they  shall  walk,  0  Lord, 
in  the  light  of  thy  countenance.  Psalm 
Ixxxix.  15. 

Bit-st  are  the  souls  that  hear  and  know 
The  gospel's  joyful  sound  ; 
Peace  shall  attend  the  path  they  go, 
And  light  their  steps  sui-round. 


5.  THE  ATONEMENT  A   SOURCE   OF  JOY. 

We  joy  in  God  through  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  by  whom  we  have  now 
received  the  atonement.     i?om.  v.  11. 

There  is  a  fountain  filled  with  blood. 

Drawn  from  Immanuel's  veins, 
And  sinners  plunged  beneath  that  flood 

Lose  all  their  guilty  stains. 
The  dying  thief  rejoiced  to  see 

That  fountain  in  his  day ; 
And  here  may  I,  though  vile  as  he, 

Wash  all  my  sins  away. 


102  JULY. 

6.  THE  SCRIPTURES  A  SOURCE  OF  JOT. 

Thy  words  were  found,  and  I  did 
eat  them ;  and  thy  word  was  unto  me 
the  joy  and  rejoicing  of  mine  heart; 
for  I  am  called  by  thy  name,  0  Lord 
God  of  hosts.     Jer.  xv.  16. 

Oh  may  these  heavenly  pages  be 

My  ever  dear  delight ; 
And  still  new  beauties  may  I  see, 

And  still  increasing  light. 


7.     THE  SABBATH  A  SOURCE  OF  JOT. 

This  is  the  day  which  the  Lord  hath 
made;  we  will  rejoice  and  be  glad  in 
it.     Psalm  cxviii.  24. 
Oft  as  this  peaceful  day  shall  come, 
Lord,  raise  my  thoughts  from  earthly 
things, 
And  bear  them  to  my  heavenly  home. 
On  faith  and  hope's  celestial  wings  : 
Till  the  last  gleam  of  life  decay, 
In  one  eternal  Sabbath  day. 


believer's  joys.  103 

8,         faith  a  source  of  joy. 

Whom  having  not  seen,  ye  love  ;  in 
whom,  though  now  ye  see  him  not,  yet 
believing,  ye  rejoice  with  joy  unspeak- 
able and  full  of  glory.     1  Pet.  i.  S. 

A  bleeding  Saviour,  seen  by  faith, 
A  sense  of  pardoning  love, 

A  hope  that  triumphs  over  death, 
Give  joys  iilie  those  above. 


9.  PARDOX  A  SOURCE  OF  JOY. 

Blessed  is  he  whose  transgression  is 
forgiven,  whose  sin  is  covered.  Blessed 
is  the  man  unto  whom  the  Lord  im- 
puteth  not  iniquity,  and  in  whose  spirit 
there  is  no  guile.     Psalm  xxxii.  1,  2. 

The  Saviour  smiles!  o'er  my  blest  soul 
New  tides  of  hope  tumultuous  roll ; 
Earth  has  a  joy  unknown  in  heaven, 
The  new-born  peace  of  sin  forgiven; 
Tears  of  such  pure  and  deep  delight. 
Ye  augels  !  never  dimmed  your  sight. 


104  JULY. 

10.  HOPE  OF  GLORY  A  SOURCE  OF  JOY. 

By  whom  [Jesus  Christ]  we  have 
access  by  faith  into  this  grace  wherein 
we  stand,  and  rejoice  in  hope  of  the 
glory  of  God.     Rom.  v.  2. 

By  faith  to  Pisgah's  top  I  fly, 
And  there  delighted  stand, 
To  view  beneath  a  cloudless  sky, 

The  spacious  promised  land. 
The  Lord  of  all  the  vast  domain 

Has  promised  it  to  me  ; 
The  length  and  breadth  of  all  the  plain, 
As  far  as  faith  can  see. 


11.    GODLY  FEAR  A  SOURCE  OF  JOY. 

Blessed  is  everyone  that  feareth  the 
Lord  ;  that  walketh  in  his  ways.  For 
thou  shalt  eat  the  labour  of  thine 
hands  :  happy  shalt  thou  be,  and  it 
shall  be  well  with  thee.  Psalm  exxviii. 
1,2. 

Happy,  beyond  description ,  he 
Who  fears  the  Lord  bis  God  ; 
Who  hears  his  threats  with  holy  awe, 
And  trembles  at  his  rod. 


believer's  joys.  105 

12.  obedience  a  source  of  joy. 

I  •will  delight  myself  in  thy  corn- 
mandments  which  I  have  loved.  Psalm 
cxix.  47. 

Then  shall  my  heart  have  inward  joy, 
And  keep  my  face  from  shame, 

When  all  thy  statutes  I  obey, 
And  honour  all  thy  name. 

13.  COMMTTNION  "WITH  GOD  A  SOURCE 

OF  JOY. 

There  be  many  that  say,  Who  will 
show  us  any  good  ?  Lord,  lift  thou  up 
the  light  of  thy  countenance  upon  us. 
Thou  hast  put  gladness  in  my  heart, 
more  than  in  the  time  that  their  corn 
aud  their  wine  increased.  Psalm  iv. 
6,7. 

Lord,  what  is  life  ?  if  spent  with  thee. 
In  humble  praise  and  prayer, 

How  long  or  short  my  life  may  be 
I  feel  no  anxious  care  : 

Thouszh  life  depart,  my  joys  shall  last. 

When  life  and  all  its  joys  are  past. 


106  JULY. 

14.  COMMUiaON  OF  SAINTS  A   SOURCE 
OF  JOY. 

My  goodness  extendeth  not  to  thee; 
but  to  the  saints  that  are  in  the  earth, 
and  to  the  excellent,  in  whom  is  all  my 
delight.     Psalm  xvi.  2,  3. 

If  'tis  sweet  to  mingle  where 
Christians  meet  for  fervent  prayer; 
If  tis  sweet  with  them  to  raise 
Songs  of  holy  joy  and  praise  ; 
Passing  sweet  that  state  must  be, 
"Where  they  meet  eternally. 


15.         PRAYER  A  SOURCE  OF  JOY. 

Even  them  will  I  bring  to  my  holy 
mountain,  and  make  them  joyful  in  my 
house  of  prayer.     leaiah  Ivi.  7. 
Prayer  makes  the  darkened  cloud  withdraw, 
Prayer  climbs  the  ladder  Jacob  saw  ; 
Gives  exercise  to  faith  and  iove, 
Brings  every  blessing  from  above. 


believer's  joys.  107 


16.     SALVATION  A  SOURCE  OP  JOY. 

We  will  rejoice  in  thy  salvation,  and 
in  the  name  of  our  God  we  will  set  up 
our  banners.     Psalm  xx.  5. 

Salvation!  ob  the  joyful  sound! 

'Tis  pleasure  to  our  ears  ; 
A  sovereign  balm  for  every  wound, 

A  cordial  for  our  fears. 


17.  EARLY  PIETY  A  SOURCE  OP  JOY. 

Oh  satisfy  us  early  with  thy  mercy ; 
that  we  may  rejoice  and  be  glad  all  our 
days.     Psalm  xc.  14. 

Grace  is  a  plant,  ■where'er  it  grows, 

Of  pure  and  heavenly  root ; 
But  fairest  in  the  5'oung  it  shows, 

And  yields  the  sweetest  fruit. 


108  JULY. 

IS.  A  GOOD  CONSCIENCE  A  SOURCE 
OF  JOY. 

Our  rejoicing  is  this,  the  testimony 
of  our  conscience,  that  in  simplicity 
and  godly  sincerity,  not  with  fleshly 
wisdom,  but  by  the  grace  of  God,  we 
have  had  our  conversation  in  the  world. 
2  Cor.  i.  12. 

Oh  happy  soul,  that  lives  on  high. 
While  men  lie  grovelling  here ; 

Whose  hopes  are  fixed  above  the  sky, 
And  faith  forbids  his  fear. 

His  conscience  cleansed  from  all  his  sins, 
Love,  peace,  and  joy  combine 

To  form  a  life  whose  holy  springs 
Are  hidden  and  divine 

19.    BENEVOLENCE  A  SOURCE  OF  JOY. 

Remember  the  words  of  the  Lord 
Jesus,  how  he  said.  It  is  more  blessed 
to  give  than  to  receive.  Acts  xx.  45. 

Blest  is  the  man  whose  heart  expands 

At  melting  pity's  call, 
And  the  rich  blessings  of  whose  hands 

Like  heavenly  manna  fall. 


believer's  joys.  109 

20.  tribulation  a  source  of  joy. 

We  glory  in  tribulation  :  knowing 
that  tribulation  worketh  patience;  and 
patience,  experience  j  and  experience, 
hope.     Rom.  v.  3,  4. 
Then  let  us  wait  th'  appointed  day, 

Nor  call  this  world  our  home ; 
To  pilgrims  iu  a  foreign  land. 
Afflictions  needs  must  come. 

Who  rules  the  world,  overrules  their  end, 

They  destined  are  for  good  ; 
And  bear  the  saints  to  realms  of  rest, 

Though  mighty  as  a  flood. 


21.   TEMPORAL  BLESSINGS  SOURCES 
OF  JOY. 

Ye  shall  eat  in  plenty,  and  he  satis- 
fied, and  praise  the  name  of  the  Lord 
your  God,  that  hath  dealt  wondrously 
with  you :  and  my  people  shall  never 
be  ashamed.     Joel  ii.  26. 

Thy  bounty  gilds  the  path  of  life 

With  every  cheering  ray. 
And  oft  restrains  the  rising  tear. 

Or  wipes  that  tear  away. 


110  JULY. 


22.  THE  DIVIXE  BLESSING  A  SOURCE 
OF  JOY. 

The  blessing  of  the  Lord,  it  maketh 
rich,  and  he  addeth  no  sorrow  with  it. 
Prov.  X.  22. 

Better  than  life  itself  thy  love, 
Dearer  than  all  beside  to  me  ; 

For  whom  have  I  in  heaven  above, 
Or  what  on  earth,  compared  to  thee  ? 


23.  THE  DIYINE  PROTECTION  A  SOURCE 
OF  JOY. 

Because  thou  hast  been  my  help, 
therefore  in  the  shadow  of  thy  wings 
will  I  rejoice.     Psalm  Ixiii.  7. 

Since  thou  hast  been  my  help, 

To  thee  my  spirit  flies  ; 
And  on  thy  watchful  providence 

My  cheerful  hope  relies. 


believer's  joys.  Ill 

24.    DIVINE  ACCEPTANCE  A   SOURCE 
OP  JOY. 

Go  thy  way,  eat  thy  bread  with  joy, 
and  di'iuk  thy  wine  with  a  merry  heart ; 
for  God  now  accepteth  thy  work, 
Eccles.  ix.  7. 

Whilst  I  see  thy  love  to  me. 
Every  object  teems  with  joy  ; 

Here,  oh  may  I  walk  with  thee, 
Then  into  thy  presence  die! 

Let  me  but  thyself  possess, 

Total  sum  of  happiness  ; 

Real  bliss  I  then  shall  prove — 

Heaven  below,  and  heaven  above. 


25.  JOY  FOLLOWING  SORROW. 

Weeping  may  endure  for  a  night ; 
but  joy  Cometh  in  the  morning.  Psalm 
XXX.  5. 

When  comforts  are  declining, 
He  grants  the  soul  again 

A  season  of  clear  shining, 
To  cheer  it  after  rain. 


112  JULY. 


26.  JOY  THE  DUTY  OF  THE  BELIEYER. 

Be  glad  in  the  Lord,  and  rejoice,  ye 
righteous  :  and  shout  for  joy,  all  ye  that 
are  upright  in  heart.  Psalm  xxxii.  11. 

Let  those  refuse  to  sing 
Who  never  knew  the  Lord ; 

But  children  of  the  heavenly  King 
Should  speak  their  joys  abroad. 


27.      JOY  TO  BE  SOUGHT  THEOUGH 
CHRIST. 

Hitherto  have  ye  asked  nothing  in 
my  name  :  ask,  and  ye  shall  receive, 
that  your  joy  may  be  full.  John  xvi. 
24. 

Dark  and  cheerless  is  the  morn, 
Unaccompanied  by  thee  ; 

Joyless  is  the  day's  return, 
Till  thy  mercy's  beams  we  see : 

Day-spring  from  on  high,  be  near ; 

Day-star,  in  our  hearts  appear. 


believer'  s  jots.  11 3 

28.  believer's  joy  is  satisfying. 

Blessed  is  the  man  whom  thou  choos- 
est,  and  causest  to  approach  unto  thee, 
that  he  may  dwell  in  thy  courts  :  we 
shall  be  satisfied  with  the  goodness  of 
thy  house,  even  of  thy  holy  temple. 
Psalm  Ixv.  4. 

These  are  the  joys  which  satijjfy, 

And  sanctify  the  mind ; 
Which  make  the  spirit  mount  on  high, 

And  leave  the  world  behind. 


29.    believer's  joy  is  abiding. 

These  things  have  I  spoken  unto 
you,  that  my  joy  might  remain  in  you, 
and  that  your  joy  might  be  full.  John 

XV.  11. 

Art  thou  not  mine,  my  living  Lord  ? 

And  can  my  hope,  my  comfort  die. 
Fixed  on  thine  everlasting  word — 

The  word  that  built  the  earth  and  sky  ? 


114  JULY. 

30.     BELIEVER  HAS  JOY  IN  DEATH. 

Lord,  now  lettest  thou  thy  servant 
depart  in  peace,  according  to  thy 
word  :  for  mine  eyes  have  seen  thy 
salvation.     Luke  ii.  29,  30. 

When  we  have  numbered  all  our  years. 
And  stand,  at  length,  on  Jordan's  brink ; 

Though  the  flesh  fail  with  mortal  fears, 
Oh !  let  not  then  the  spirit  sink  : 

But  strong  in  faith,  and  hope,  and  love, 

Plunge  through  the  stream  to  rise  above. 


31.      HEAVEN  THE  CONSUMMATION 
OF  JOY. 

Well  done,  thou  good  and  faithful 
servant  :  thou  hast  been  faithful  over 
a  few  things,  I  will  make  thee  ruler 
over  many  things  :  enter  thou  into  the 
joy  of  thy  Lord.     3Iatt.  xxv.  21. 

Soldier  of  Christ,  well  done ! 

Praise  be  thy  new  employ; 
And  while  eternal  ages  run, 

Eest  in  thy  Saviour's  joy. 


AUGUST. 


SORROWS  OF  THE  BE- 
LIEVER, 


1.  BELIEVER  FOBE WARNED  OF  SORROW. 

These  things  I  have  spoken  unto 
you,  that  in  me  ye  might  have  peace. 
In  the  world  ye  shall  have  tribulation  : 
but  be  of  good  cheer :  I  have  overcome 
the  world.     John  xvi.  33. 

The  path  of  sorrow,  and  that  path  alone. 
Leads  to  the  land  where  sorrow  is  unknown, 
No  traveller  e'er  reached  that  b]est  abode. 
Who  found  not  thorns  and  briers  in  his  road. 

(115) 


116  ATJGirST. 

2.     SOURCES  OF  SORROW — LOSS  OF 
DIVINE  FAVOUR. 

Restore  unto  me  the  joy  of  thy  sal- 
vation ;  and  uphold  me  with  thy  free 
Spirit.     Psalm  li.  12. 

Ah!  why,  by  passing  clouds  oppressed, 
Should  vexing  thoughts  distract  thy  breast? 
Turn,  turn  to  Him,  in  every  pain, 
Whom  never  suppliant  sought  in  vain. 


3.  SOURCES  OF  SORROW — INDWELLING 

SIN. 

I  see  another  law  in  my  members, 
warring  against  the  law  of  ray  mind, 
and  bringing  me  into  captivity  to  the 
law  of  sin  which  is  in  my  members. 
Bom.  ni.  23. 

Nature  may  raise  her  fleshly  strife, 

Reluctant  to  the  heavenly  life : 

But  grace  omnipotent  at  length 

Shall  arm  the  saint  with  saving  strength, 

Through  the  sharp  war  with  aids  attend. 

And  his  last  conflict  sweetly  end. 


believer's  sorrows.        HT 
4.  sources  of  sorrow — a  deceitful 

HEART. 

The  heart  is  deceitful  above  all 
things,  and  desperately  wicked  :  who 
can  know  it?     Jer.  xvii.  9. 

With  flowing  tears.  Lord,  I  confess, 
My  folly  and  unsteadfestness  ; 
When  shall  this  heart  more  stable  be, 
Fixed  by  thy  grace  alone  on  thee  i 


5.  SOURCES  OF  SORROW — INGRATITUDE 
OF  THE  UNGODLY. 

They  that  render  evil  for  good  are 
mine  adversaries  ;  because  I  follow  the 
thing  that  good  is.  Forsake  me  not, 
0  Lord  :  0  my  God,  be  not  far  from 
me.     Psalm  xxxviii.  20,  21. 

If  wounded  love  my  bosom  swell, 
Deceived  by  those  I  prized  too  well; 
He  shall  his  pitying  aid  bestow, 
Who  felt  on  earth  severer  woe : 
At  once  betrayed,  denied,  or  fled. 
By  those  who  shared  his  daily  bread. 


118  AUGUST. 


6.    SOURCES  OF  SORROW — REPROACH 
OF  THE  WORLD. 

Let  US  go  forth  therefore  unto  him 
without  the  camp,  bearing  his  reproach, 
Heh.  xiii.  13. 

If  on  my  face,  for  thy  dear  name, 
Shame  and  reproach  shall  be, 

I'll  hail  reproach,  and  welcome  shame, 
If  thou  remember  me. 


7.  SOURCES  OF  SORROW — PERSECUTION. 

Though  I  walk  in  the  midst  of  trou- 
ble, thou  wilt  revive  me  :  thou  shiilt 
stretch  forth  thine  hand  against  the 
wrath  of  mine  enemies,  and  thy  right 
hand  shall  save  me.  Ps.  cxxxviii.  7. 

Man  may  trouble  and  distress  me, 
'Twill  but  drive  me  to  thy  breast ; 
Life  with  trials  hard  may  press  me, 
Heaven  will  brinar  me  sweeter  rest. 


believer's  sorrows.         119 

8.  sources  of  sorrow — earthly 
losses  and  bereavements. 
Naked  came  I  out  of  my  mother'a 
womb,  and  naked  shall  I  return  thi- 
ther :  the  Lord  gave  and  the  Lord  hatk 
taken  away  ;  blessed  be  the  name  of 
the  Lord.     Joh  i.  21. 

Oh !  blessed  be  the  hand  that  gave ; 

Still  blessed  when  it  takes  : 
Blessed  be  he  who  smites  to  save, 

Who  heals  the  heart  he  breaks  : 
Perfect  and  true  are  all  his  ways 
Whom  heaven  adores,  and  earth  obeys. 


9.      SOURCES  OF  SORROW — THE    SINS 
OF  OTHERS. 

Rivers  of  water  run  down  mine  eyes, 
because  they  keep  not  thy  law.  Psalm 
cxix.  136. 

I  sorrow  for  the  mertal  -night 

In  which  mankind  around  me  lie  ; 
Almii;hty  Father,  by  thy  miciht, 
Arouse  them  from  their  lethargy. 


120  AUGUST. 

10.  SOURCES  OF  SORROW — THE  NUMBER 
OF  THE  WICKED. 

Broad  is  the  way,  that  leadeth  to 
destruction,  and  many  there  be  •which 
go  in  thereat :  because  strait  is  the  gate, 
and  narrow  is  the  way,  which  leadeth 
unto  life,  and  few  there  be  that  find  it. 
Matt.  vii.  13,  14. 

Strait  is  the  way,  the  door  is  strait, 
Which  lead  to  joys  on  high  : 

'Tis  but  a  few  that  find  the  gate, 
While  crowds  mistake,  and  die. 


11.    SORROW  CHOSEN  RATHER  THAN 
SIN. 

Moses,  when  he  was  come  to  years,  re- 
fused to  be  called  the  son  of  Pharaoh's 
daughter  ;  choosing  rather  to  suffer 
affliction  with  the  people  of  God,  than 
to  enjoy  the  pleasures  of  sin  for  a 
season.  Heh.  xi.  24,  25. 
It  is  uot  for  me  to  be  seeking  my  bliss. 
And  building  my  hopes  in  a  region  like  this. 
I  look  for  a  city  which  hands  have  not  piled ; 
I  pant  for  a  country  by  sin  undefiled. 


believer's  sorrows.         121 
12.     believer's  confidence  in 

TROUBLE. 

Althougli  the  fig  tree  shall  not  blos- 
som, neither  shall  fruit  be  in  the  vines ; 
the  labour  of  the  olive  shall  fail,  and 
the  fields  shall  yield  no  meat ;  the  flock 
shall  be  cut  off  from  the  fold,  and  there" 
shall  be  no  herd  in  the  stalls :  yet  I 
will  rejoice  in  the  Lord,  I  will  joy  in  the 
God  of  my  salvation.  Heh.  iii.  17, 18. 
Although  my  wealth  and  comfort's  lost, 

My  blooming  hopes  cut  off  I  see, 
Yet  will  I  in  my  Saviour  trust, 
Whose  matchless  grace  can  reach  to  me. 


13.  believer's  comfort  in  trouble. 

This  is  my  comfort  in  my  affliction  : 
for  thy  word  hath  quickened  me.  Psalm 
cxix.  50. 
Thus  trusting  in  thy  word,  I  tread 

The  narrow  path  of  duty  on  ; 
What  though  some  cherished  joys  are  fled  ? 

What  though  some  flattering  dreams  are 
Yet  purer,  brighter  joys  remain  :  [gone  ? 
Why  should  my  spirit  then  complain  ? 


122  AUGUST. 

14.       CHRIST  AN  EXAMPLE  TO  THE 
AFFLICTED. 

Even  hereunto  were  ye  called  :  be- 
cause Christ  also  suffered  for  us,  leav- 
ing us  an  example,  that  ye  should  fol- 
low his  steps.     1  Pet.  ii.  21. 

Our  glorious  Leader  claims  our  praise 

For  his  own  pattern  given, 
While  the  long  cloud  of  witnesses 

Show  the  same  path  to  heaven. 


15.   THE  PATRIARCHS  EXAMPLES  TO 
THE  AFFLICTED. 

Wherefore  seeing  we  also  are  com- 
passed about  with  so  great  a  cloud  of 
witnesses,  let  us  lay  aside  every  weight, 
and  the  sin  which  doth  so  easily  beset 
us,  and  let  us  run  with  patience  the 
race  that  is  set  before  us.     Heh.  xii.  1. 

Once  they  were  mourning  here  below, 
And  wet  their  couch  with  tears  ; 

They  wrestled  hard,  as  we  do  now, 
With  sinsj  and  doubts,  and  fears. 


believer's  sorro-ws.         123 

16.  the  prophets  examples  to  the 

afflicted. 
Take,  my   bi-ethren,  the    prophets, 
who  have  spoken  in  the  name  of  the 
Lord,  for  an  example  of  suffering  af- 
fliction, and  of  patience.     James  v.  10. 

And  shall  not  we  aspire, 

Like  them  our  couise  to  run  ? 
The  crown  if  we  would  wear, 
The  cross  must  first  be  borne. 
DlTinely  taught,  they  showed  the  way, 
First  to  believe,  and  then  obey. 

17.  BENEFITS  OF  AFFLICTION — SELF- 

ABASEMENT. 

Surely  after  that  I  was  instructed,  I 
smote  upon  my  thigh.  I  was  ashamed, 
yea,  even  confounded,  because  I  did 
bear  the  reproach  of  my  youth.  Jer. 
xxxi.  19. 

Dumb  at  thy  feet  T  lie. 
For  thou  hast  brought  me  low; 
Remove  thy  judgments,  lest  I  die  ; 
I  faint  beneath  thy  blow. 


124  AUGUST. 

18.         BENEFITS  OF  AFFLICTION — 
CONTRITION  FOR  SIN. 

I  will  go  and  return  to  my  place, 
till  they  acknowledge  their  offence,  and 
seek  my  face  :  in  their  affliction  they 
will  seek  me  early.     Hos.  v.  15. 

What  though  aflBictions  pierced  my  heart ! 
I  bless  the  hand  that  caused  the  smart ; 
It  taught  my  teai-s  awhile  to  flow, 
But  saTed  me  from  eternal  woe. 


19.        BENEFITS  OF  AFFLICTION — 
PATIENCE. 

The  trying  of  your  faith  worketh 
patience.  But  let  patience  have  her 
perfect  work,  that  ye  may  be  perfect 
and  entire,  wanting  nothing.  James 
i.  3,  4. 

Through  waves,  and  clouds,  and  storms. 

He  gently  clears  thy  way : 
Wait  thou  his  time — the  darkest  night 

Shall  end  in  brightest  day. 


believer's  sorrows.        125 

20.      benefits  of  affliction — 
humility. 

If  I  be  wicked,  woe  unto  me  ;  and 
if  I  be  righteou?,  yet  will  I  not  lift  up 
mine  head.  I  am  full  of  confusion ; 
therefore  see  thou  mine  afBiction.  Job 
X.  15. 

To  the  heart  truly  humbled  by  woe, 
The  anointing  of  joy  sball  be  given ; 

To  the  tears  that  from  penitence  flow, 
Shall  he  given  a  foretaste  of  heaven. 


21.        BENEFITS   OF  AFFLICTION — 

SUBMISSION. 

I  was  dumb,  I  opened  not  my  mouth  ; 
because  thou  didst  it.  Fsalm  xxxix.  9. 

Take  all,  great  God,  I  will  not  grieve, 
But  still  will  wish  that  I  had  still  to  give  : 

I  hear  thy  voice,  thou  bidd'st  me  quit 
My  paradise  ;  I  bless,  and  do  submit ; 

I  will  not  murmur  at  thy  word, 
Nor  beg  thy  angel  to  sheathe  up  his  sword. 


126  AUGUST. 

22.  BENEFITS  OF  AFFLICTION — HOPE. 

Why  art  thou  cast  down,  0  my 
soul?  and  why  art  thou  disquieted  in 
me  ?  hope  thou  in  God  :  for  I  shall  yet 
praise  him  for  the  help  of  his  counten- 
ance.    Psalm  xlii.  5. 

The  gloomiest  day  hath  gleams  of  light, 
The  darkest  -wave  hath  bright  foam  near 
it; 

And  twinkles  through  the  cloudiest  night 
Some  solitary  star  to  cheer  it. 

23.  BENEFITS  OF  AFFLICTION — 

HOLINESS. 

Now  no  chastening  for  the  present 
seemeth  to  he  joyous,  hut  grievous  : 
nevertheless,  afterward  it  yieldeth  the 
peaceahle  fruit  of  righteousness  unto 
them  which  are  exercised  thereby. 
Heh.  xii.  11. 

Our  hearts  are  fastened  to  this  world 

By  strong  and  endless  ties  ; 
But  every  sorrow  cuts  a  string. 

And  urges  us  to  rise. 


believer's  sorrows.         127 

24.  benefits  of  afflictiok — tries 
our  sincerity. 

He  knoweth  the  way  that  I  take  : 
when  he  hath  tried  rue,  1  shall  come 
forth  as  gold.     Job  xxiii.  10. 

Though  sorrows  rise,  and  dangers  roll 
In  waves  of  darkness  o'er  my  soul ; 
Though  friends  are  false, and  love  decays. 
And  few  and  evil  are  my  days — 
Yet  even  in  nature's  utmost  ill, 
I  love  thee,  Lord !    I  love  thee  still. 


25.  BENEFITS  OP  AFFLICTION — BRINGS 
SIN  TO  REMEMBRANCE. 

If  they  be  bound  in  fetters,  and  be 
holden  in  cords  of  affliction  ;  then  he 
showeth  tbem  their  work,  and  their 
transgressions  that  they  have  exceeded. 
Job  xxxvi.  8,  9. 

My  former  hopes  are  fled, 
My  terror  now  begins  ; 
I  feel,  alas  !  that  I  am  dead 
lu  trespasses  and  sins. 


128  AUGUST. 

26.  BENEFITS  OP  AFFLICTION — LEADS 
TO  PRAYER. 

Oh  remember  not  against  us  former 
iniquities  :  let  thy  tender  mercies 
speedily  prevent  us  :  for  we  are  brought 
very  low.     Psalm  Ixxix.  8. 

Ah !  whither  could  we  flee  for  aid 
When  tempted,  desolate,  dismayed  ; 
Or  how  the  hosts  of  hell  defeat, 
Had  suffering  saints  no  mercy-seat? 


27.  BENEFITS  OP  AFFLICTION — BRINGS 
US  BACK  TO  GOD. 

I  will  hedge  up  thy  way  with  thorns, 
and  make  a  wall,  that  she  shall  not  find 
her  paths. — Then  shall  she  say,  I  will 
go  and  return  to  my  first  husband  ;  for 
then  was  it  better  with  me  than  now. 
Hos.  ii.  6,  7. 

Long  unafflicted,  undismayed, 
In  pleasure's  path  secure  I  strayed: 
Thou  madest  me  feel  thy  chusteningrod, 
And  strait  I  turned  unto  my  God. 


believer's  sourows.         129 

28.  benefits  op  afplictiox — 

exercises  our  faith. 
Ye  are  in  heaviness  through  manifold 
temptations  :  that  the  trial  of  your 
faith,  being  much  more  precious  than 
of  gold  that  perisheth,  though  it  be 
tried  with  fire,  might  be  found  unto 
praise  and  honour  and  glory  at  the  ap- 
pearing of  Jesus  Christ.  1  Pet.  i.  6,  7. 
Dark  are  the  ways  of  providence, 

While  those  ■who  love  thee  groan ; 
Thy  reasons  lie  concealed  from  sense, 
Mysterious  and  unknown. 

29.  BENEFITS    OF  AFFLICTION 

TEACHES  OUR  FRAILTIES. 

Mine  age  is  departed,  and  is  removed 
from  me  as  a  shepherd's  tent  :  I  have 
cut  oflF  like  a  weaver  my  life  :  he  will 
cut  me  off  with  pining  sickness.  Isa. 
xxxviii.  12. 

Lord,  let  me  know  mine  end, 
My  days,  how  brief  their  date, 
That  I  may  timely  comprehend 
How  frail  my  best  estate. 


130  AUGUST. 

30.  BENEFITS  OF  AFFLICTION" — REMINDS 

US  OF  FORMER  MERCIES. 

We  had  the  sentence  of  death  in  our- 
selves, that  we  should  not  trust  in  our- 
selves, but  in  God  which  raiseth  the 
dead  :  who  delivered  us  from  so  great  a 
death,  and  doth  deliver  :  in  whom  we 
trust  that  he  will  yet  deliver  us.  2  Cor. 
i.  9,  10. 

His  love  in  times  past  forbids  me  to  think 
He'll  leave  me  at  last  in  trouble  to  sink  : 
Each  sweet  Ebenezer  I  have  in  review 
Confirms  his  good  pleasure  to  help  me  quite 
through. 

31.  AFFLICTION  SUCCEEDED  BY  GLORY. 

Our  light  affliction,  which  is  but  for 
a  moment,  worketh  for  us  a  far  more 
exceeding  and  eternal  weight  of  glory. 
2  Cor.  iv.  17. 

All  trials  and  sorrows  the  Christian  prepare 
For  the  rest  that  remaineth  above  ; 

On  earth  tribulation  awaits  him,  but  there 
The  smile  of  unchangeable  love. 


SEPTEMBER. 


TEMPTATIONS  OF  THE 
BELIEVER. 


1.    TEMPTATIONS  PERMITTED  BY  GOD. 

The  Lord  said  unto  Satan,  Behold, 
all  that  he  hath  is  in  thy  power;  only 
tipon  himself  put  not  forth  thine  hand. 
Job  i.  12. 

Still  thine  integrity  hold  fast, 

The  tempter's  counsel  spurn, 
Hope  a.2;ainst  hope,  and  God  at  last, 
Will  for  thy  help  return. 


2.         GOD  DOES  NOT  TEMPT  TO  SIN. 

Let  no  man  say  when  he  is  tempted, 
I  am  tempted  of  God  :  for  God  cannot 
be  tempted  with  evil,  neither  tempteth 
he  any  man  :  but  every  man  is  tempted, 
when  he  is  drawn  away  of  his  own  lust, 
and  enticed.     James  i.  13,  14. 

My  crimes,  though  great,  do  not  surpass 
The  power  and  glory  of  thy  grace; 
Oh  !  wash  my  soul  from  every  sin, 
And  make  my  guilty  conscience  clean. 
(131) 


132  SEPTEMBER. 

3.         TEMPTATIONS — FROM    SATAN. 

Lest  Satan  should  get  an  advantage 
of  us  :  for  we  are  not  ignorant  of  his 
devices.     2  Cor.  ii.  11. 

Fear  not  Satan's  strong  temptations 
Though  they  tease  thee  day  by  day, 

And  thy  evil  inclinations 
Overwhelm  thee  with  dismay! 

Thou  shalt  conquer, 
Through  the  Lamb's  redeeming  blood. 


4.  TEMPTATIONS — FROM  A  DEPRAVED 
NATURE. 

I  find  then  a  law,  that,  when  I  would 
do  good,  evil  is  present  with  me.  Rom. 
vii.  21. 
Oh  !  who  can  free  my  troubled  mind 

From  sin's  oppressive  load  ; 
Oh  wretched  man  !  how  shall  I  find 
Acceptance  with  my  God. 

My  soul  with  transport  turns  to  thee. 

To  thee  my  Saviour  turns ; 
Cleansed  by  thy  blood,  and  saved  by  grace, 

My  soul  no  longer  mourns. 


believer's  TEMPTATIONS.       1'6Z 

5.  TEMPTATIONS — FROM  THE  LOVE  OP 

RICHES. 

They  that  will  be  rich  fall  into  temp- 
tation and  a  snare,  and  into  many  fool- 
ish and  hurtful  lusts,  which  drown 
men  in  destruction  and  perdition.  1 
Tim.  vi.  9. 
Oh  lay  not  up  upon  this  earth 

Your  hopes,  your  joys,  your  treasure, 
Here  sorrow  clouds  the  pilgrim's  path, 

And  blights  each  opening  pleasure. 
All,  all  below  must  f;ide  and  die, 
The  dearest  hopes  we  cherish, 
Scenes  touched  with  brightest  radiancy, 
Are  all  decreed  to  perish. 

6.  TEMPTATIONS — FROM  THE  FEAR 

OP  MAN. 

The  fear  of  man  bringeth  a  snare  : 
but  whoso  putteth  his  trust  in  the  Lord 
shall  be  safe.         Prov.  xxix.  25. 
The  taunts  and  frowns  of  men  of  earth, 

What  are  they  all  to  me ! 
Oh  they  are  things  of  little  worth 

Weighed  with  one  smile  from  Thee, 
Who  bore  a  sorrow  deeper  far. 
Than  all  the^e  stingless  trifles  are. 


134  SEPTEMBER. 

7.      TEMPTATION  TO  NEGLECT  GOOD 
WORKS. 

Ye  did  run  well ;  who  did  hinder 
you,  that  ye  should  not  obey  the  truth  ? 
Gal.  V.  7. 

Better  that  we  had  never  known, 

The  way  to  heaven  through  saving  grace, 

Than  basely  in  our  lives  disown, 
And  slight  and  mock  thee  to  thy  face. 


8.  TEMPTATION  TO  LEGAL  DEPENDENCE. 

Are  ye  so  foolish  ?  having  begun  in 
the  Spirit,  are  ye  now  made  perfect  in 
the  flesh?     G^a^.  iii.  3. 

Go,  you  that  rest  upon  the  law, 

And  toil  and  seell  salvation  there ; 
Look  to  the  flame  that  Moses  saw, 

And  shrink,  and  tremble,  and  despair. 
But  I'll  retire  beneath  thy  cross — 

Saviour,  at  thy  dear  feet  I'll  lie-; 
And  the  keen  sword  that  justice  draws, 

Flaming  and  red,  shall  pass  me  by. 


believer's  temptations.      135 

9.    temptation  to  f0r3iality  in 
religion. 
Be  watchful,  and   strengthen   the 
things  which  remain,  that  are  ready  to 
die :  for  I  have  not  found  thy  works 
perfect  before  God.     Rev.  iii.  2. 

God  is  a  Spirit  just  and  wise  ; 

He  sees  our  inmost  mind  : 
In  vain  to  heaven  we  raise  our  cries, 

And  leave  our  souls  behind. 


10,    TEMPTATION  TO  SLOTHPULNESS 
IN    RELIGION. 

Nevertheless!  have  somewhat 
against  thee,  because  thou  hast  left  thy 
first  love.  Remember  therefore  from 
whence  thou  art  fallen,  and  repent,  and 
do  the  first  works.     Rev.  ii.  4,  5. 

I  need  the  influence  of  thy  grace 

To  speed  me  in  the  way, 
Lest  I  should  loiter  in  my  race, 

Or  turn  my  feet  astray. 


136  SEPTEMBER. 

11.  TEMPTATION  TO  SELF-INDULGENCE. 

I  keep  under  my  body,  and  bring  it 
into  subjection  :  lest  that  by  any  means, 
when  I  have  preached  to  others,  I  my- 
self should  be  a  castaway,  1  Cor.  ix.  27. 

When  thy  statutes  I  forsake. 
When  my  graces  dimly  shine, 

When  my  covenant  I  break, 
Jesus,  then  remember  thine  : 

Check  my  wanderings 
By  a  look  of  love  divine. 

12.  TEMPTATION  TO  TRIFLE  WITH  SIN. 

Shall  we  continue  in  sin,  that  grace 
may  abound  ?  God  forbid.  How  shall 
we.  that  are  dead  to  sin,  live  any 
longer  therein  ?     Rom.  vi.  1. 

Shall  we  go  on  to  sin, 
Because  thy  grace  abounds  ? 

Or  crucify  the  Lord  again, 
And  open  all  his  wounds? 
We  will  be  slaves  no  more, 
Since  Christ  has  made  us  free ; 

Has  nailed  our  tyrants  to  his  cross, 
And  bought  our  liberty. 


believer's   temptations.    137 

13.  temptation  to  spiritual  pride. 

For  who  maketh  thee  to  differ  from 
another  ?  and  what  hast  thou  that  thou 
didst  not  receive?  Now  if  thou  didst 
receive  it,  why  dost  thou  glory,  as  if 
thou  hadst  not  received  it?  1  Cor. 
iv.  7. 

Oft  have  I  turned  my  eyes  -within, 
And  brought  to  mind  some  latent  sin; 
But  pride,  the  vice  I  most  detest. 
Still  lurks  securely  in  my  breast. 


14.  TEMPTATION  TO  ENVY  THE  WICKED. 

As  for  me,  my  feet  were  almost  gone  ; 
my  steps  had  well  nigh  slipped.  For 
I  was  envious  at  the  foolish,  when  I 
saw  the  prosperity  of  the  wicked. 
Psalm  Ixxiii.  2,  3. 

Tht^ir  feet  are  in  a  slippery  place; 

Their  riches  swift  as  shadows  fly; 
Their  honours  end  in  de>^p  di'^srrace; 

In  mirth  they  live,  in  anguish  die. 


138  SEPTEMBER. 

15.  TEMPTATION  TO  MISTRUST 

PROVIDENCE. 

If  God  SO  clothe  the  grass  of  the 
field,  which  to  day  is,  and  to-morrow 
is  cast  into  the  oven,  shall  he  not  much 
more  clothe  you,  0  ye  of  little  faith? 
Matt.  vi.  30. 

I  know  not  what  may  soon  betide. 

Or  how  my  wants  shall  be  supplied ; 

But  Jesus  knows,  and  will  provide. 

When  creature  comforts  fade  and  die, 

Worldlings  may  weep — but  why  should  I  ? 

Jesus  still  lives,  and  still  is  nigh. 

16.  TEMPTATION  TO  DESPAIR. 

I  sink  in  deep  mire,  where  there  is 
no  standing  :  I  am  come  into  deep  wa- 
ters, where  the  floods  overflow  me.  I 
am  weary  of  my  crying  :  my  throat  is 
dried  :  mine  eyes  fail  while  I  wait  for 
my  God.     Psalm  Ixix.  2,  3. 

Prostrate  before  thy  mercy-seat, 
I  cannot  if  I  would  despair ; 

None  ever  perished  at  thy  feet. 
And  I  would  lie  for  ever  there. 


believer's  temptations.    139 

17.      temptation  humbles  the 
believer. 
Lest  I  should  be  exalted  above  mea- 
sure   through    the    abundance   of  the 
revelations,  there  was  given  to  me  a 
thoru  in  the  flesh,  the  messenger  of 
Satan  to  buffet  me,  lest  I  should  be  ex- 
alted above  measure,     2  Cor.  xii.  7. 
What  though  a  thoru  my  bosom  bears, 
And  varied  are  the  wants  and  cares, 

That  mark  my  chequered  way  ? 
My  God  hath  said,  iu  whom  I  live, 
"  My  grace  is  thine,  and  strength  I  give 
According  to  thy  day." 


18.      TEMPTATION  TO    BE    RESISTED. 

For  we  wrestle  not  against  flesh 
and  blood,  but  against  principalities, 
against  powers,  against  the  rulers  of 
the  darkness  of  this  world,  against 
spiritual  wickedness  in  high  places. 
Eph.  vi.  12. 

From  strength  to  strength  go  on, 
Wrestle  and  fight,  and  pray  ; 
Tread  all  the  powers  of  darkness  down, 
And  win  the  well  fought  day. 


140  SEPTEMBER. 

19.  TEMPTATION  TO    BE  AVOIDED. 

Enter  not  into  the  path  of  the  wick- 
ed, and  go  not  in  the  way  of  evil  men. 
Avoid  it,  pass  not  by  it,  turn  from  it, 
and  pass  away.     Prov.  iv.  14. 

A  wicked  world  and  wicked  heart 

With  Satan  are  combined  : 
Each  acts  a  too  successful  part, 

In  harassing  my  mind. 

But  fighting  in  my  Saviour's  strength, 
Though  mighty  are  my  foes, 

I  shall  a  conqueror  be  at  length 
O'er  all  that  can  oppose. 

20.  TEMPTATION  AVOIDED   BY  'WATCH- 

FULNESS AND  PRAYER. 

Watch  and  pray,  that  ye  enter  not 
into  temptation.     Matt.  xxvi.  41. 

Go  to  dark  Gethsemane, 
Ye  that  feel  the  tempter's  power. 

Your  Redeemer's  conflict  see. 
Watch  with  him  one  bitter  hour; 

Turn  not  from  his  griefs  away, 

Learn  of  Jesus  Christ  to  pray. 


believer's  temptations.      141 


21.  TEMPTATION  OVERCOME  BY  FAITH. 

Above  all,  taking  the  shield  of  faith, 
wherewith  ye  shall  be  able  to  quench 
all  the  fiery  darts  of  the  wicked.  Eph. 
vi.  16. 

Let  fdith  exert  its  conquering  power, 
Say  in  thy  tempted,  trembling  hour, 
"  My  God,  my  Father,  save  thy  son  !" 
'Tis  heard — and  all  thy  fears  are  done. 


22.        BELIEVER  ARMED  AGAINST 
TEMPTATION. 

Take  unto  you  the  whole  armour  of 
God,  that  ye  may  be  able  to  withstand 
in  the  evil  day,  and  having  done  all, 
to  stand.     Eph.  vi.  13. 

The  Christian  -warrior — see  him  stand 
In  the  whole  armour  of  his  God; 

The  Spirit's  sword  is  in  his  hand, 
His  feet  are  with  the  gospel  shod. 


142  SEPTEMrER. 

23.  PRESERVATION  FROM  TEMPTATION. 

Because  thou  hast  kept  the  word  of 
my  patience,  I  also  will  keep  thee  from 
the  hour  of  temptation.     Rev.  iii.  10. 

Thus  preserved  from  Satan's  wiles, 
Safe  from  dangers,  free  from  fears, 

May  I  live  upon  thy  smiles, 

Till  the  promised  hour  appears  : 

When  the  sons  of  God  shall  prove 

All  their  Father's  boundless  love. 


24.   PRESERVATION  IN  TEMPTATION. 

Blessed  is  the  man  that  endureth 
temptation  :  for  when  he  is  tried,  he 
shall  receive  the  crown  of  life,  which 
the  Lord  hath  promised  to  them  that 
love  him.     James  i.  12. 

When  aught  shall  tempt  my  soul  to  stray 
From  heavenly  wisdom's  narrow  way, 
To  shun  the  precept's  holy  light, 
Or  quit  my  hold  on  Jesus'  might, 
INIay  He  who  felt  temptation's  power, 
Still  guard  me  in  that  dangerous  hour. 


believer's  temptations.     ^43 

25.  deliverance  prom  temptation. 

The  Lord  knoweth  how  to  deliver 
the  godly  out  of  temptations,  2  Pet. 
ii.  9. 

What  though  fierce  and  strong  temptations 
Press  around  thee  on  the  way, 

And  thy  sinful  inclinations 
Often  cause  thee  great  dismay  ! 

Look  to  Jesus, 
Thou  through  him  shalt  gain  the  day. 


26.  CHRIST  THE  STRENGTH  OF  THE 
TEMPTED. 

My  grace  is  sufficient  for  thee  :  for 
my  strength  is  made  perfect  in  weak- 
ness.    2  Cor.  xi.  9. 

Why  should  I  fear  the  darkest  hour 
Or  tremble  at  the  tempter's  power  ? 
Jesus  Touchsafes  to  be  my  tower. 
Though  hot  the  fight,  why  quit  the  field  ? 
Why  must  I  either  fear  or  yield, 
Since  Jesus  is  my  mighty  shield  ? 


144  september. 

27.  Christ's  sympathy  with  the 

TEMPTED. 

In  that  he  himself  hath  sufifered 
being  tempted,  he  is  able  to  succour 
them  that  are  tempted.     Heh.  ii.  18. 

Touched  with  a  sympathy  -withiu, 

He  knows  our  feeble  frame ; 
He  knows  what  sore  temptations  mean, 

Tor  he  has  felt  the  same. 


28.  Christ's  intercession  for  the 
tempted. 

The  Lord  said,  Simon,  Simon,  be- 
hold. Satan  hath  desired  to  have  you, 
that  he  may  sift  you  as  wheat  :  but  I 
have  prayed  for  thee,  that  thy  faith 
fail  not.     Luke  xxii.  31,  32. 

Though  faint  my  prayers,  and  cold  my  love 
My  steadfiist  hope  shall  not  remove, 
While  Jesus  intercedes  above. 

Aprainst  me  earth  and  hell  combine  ; 
But  on  my  side  is  power  Divine  ; 
Jesus  is  all,  and  he  is  mine. 


believer's   temptations.    145 
29.    THE  lord's  prayer  for  the 

TEMPTED. 

Lead  us  not  into  temptation  :  but  de- 
liver us  from  evil,     ^]att.  vi.  13. 

Protect  us  in  the  dangerous  hour. 
And  from  the  wil.y  tempter's  power, 

Lord,  set  our  spirits  free  ; 
And  if  temptation  should  assail, 
May  mishty  grace  o'er  all  prevail, 

And  lead  our  hearts  to  thee. 


30.    FREEDOM  FROM  TEMPTATION  IN 
HEAVEN. 

To  him  that  overcoraeth,  ■will  I  grant 
to  sit  with  me  in  my  throne,  even  as  I 
also  overcame,  and  am  set  down  with 
my  Father  in  his  throne.     Rev.  iii.  21. 

Though  temptations  now  attend  thee, 

And  thou  tread'st  the  thorny  road, 

His  right  hand  shall  still  defend  thee. 

Soon  he'll  bring  thee  home  to  God: 

Full  deliverance 
Thou  shalt  have  in  heaven  above. 
10 


OCTOBER. 


RETROSPECTIONS  OF  THE 
BELIEVER. 


1.  DUTY  OF  RETROSPECTION. 

Thou  shalt  remember  all  the  way 
which  the  Lord  thy  God  led  thee  these 
forty  years  in  the  wilderness,  to  humble 
thee,  and  to  prove  thee,  to  know  what 
was  in  thine  heart,  whether  thou 
wouldst  keep  his  commandments.  Dent. 
viii.  2. 

Thus  f:ir  the  Lord  has  led  me  on, 
And  made  his  truth  and  mercy  known  ; 
And  while  I  tread  this  desert  land, 
New  mercies  shall  new  songs  demand. 
(146) 


believer's  retrospections.  147 

2.  of  the  divine  help. 

Then  Samuel  took  a  stone,  and  set  it 
between  Mizpeh  and  Shen,  and  called 
the  name  of  it  Ebenezer,  saying, 
Hitherto  hath  the  Lord  helped  us.  1 
Sam.  vii.  12. 

Here  I  raise  my  Ebenezer, 

Hither,  by  thy  help,  I'm  come : 

And  I  hope,  by  thy  good  pleasure, 
Safely  to  arrive  at  home. 


3.  OF  THE  DIVINE  GUIDANCE. 

Who  am  I,  0  Lord  God  ?  and  what 
is  my  house,  that  thou  hast  brought 
me  hitherto  ?  and  this  was  yet  a  small 
thing  in  thy  sight,  0  Lord  God.  2 
Sam.  vii.  18,  19. 

Rendered  safe  by  his  protection, 
I  shall  pass  the  watery  waste; 

Trusting  to  his  wise  direction, 
I  shall  gain  the  port  at  last ; 

And  with  wonder. 
Think  on  toils  and  dangers  past. 


148  OCTOBER. 


4.      OF  THE  DIVINE  FAITHFULNESS. 

Thou  hast  dealt  well  with  thy  servant* 
0  Lord,  according  unto  thy  word.  Pva- 
cxix.  65. 

Since  first  the  maze  of  life  I  trod, 

Hast  thou  not  hedged  about  my  way, 

My  worldly  vain  designs  withstood, 
And  robbed  my  passions  of  their  prey? 

Thrice  happy  loss,  which  makes  me  see 

My  happiness  alone  iu  thee ! 


5.       OF  THE  DIVINE  FORBEARANCE. 

It  is  of  the  Lord's  mercies  that  we 
are  not  consumed,  because  his  compas- 
sions fail  not.  They  are  new  every 
morning ;  great  is  thy  faithfulness. 
Lam.  iii.'22,  23. 

Lift  up  to  God  the  voice  of  praise, 
Whose  goodness,  passing  thought, 

Loads  every  minute  as  it  flies 
With  benefits  unsought. 


believer's  retrospections.  149 


6.  OF  THE  DIVINE    MERCY. 

He  hath  not  dealt  with  us  after  our 
sins  ;  nor  rewarded  us  according  to  our 
iniquities.     Psalm  ciii.  10. 

He  hath  with  a  piteous  eye 
Looked  upon  our  misery  : 
Let  us,  then,  with  gladsome  mind, 
Praise  the  Lord,  for  he  is  kind  : 
For  his  mercies  shall  endure, 
Ever  faithful,  ever  sure. 


7.        OF  THE  DIVINE  COUNSEL  AND 
INSTRUCTION. 

I  will  hless  the  Lord,  who  hath  given 
me  counsel  :  my  reins  also  instruct  me 
in  the  night  seasons.     Psalm  xvi.  7. 

Sure,  the  Lord  thus  far  has  brought  me, 
By  his  watchful  tender  care ; 

Sure,  'tis  he  himself  has  taught  me 
How  to  seek  his  foce  by  prayer : 

After  so  much  mercy  past, 

Will  he  give  me  up  at  last? 


150  OCTOBER. 

8.    OF  DIVINE  PROMISES  FULFILLED. 

Ye  know  in  all  your  hearts  and  in  all 
your  souls,  that  not  one  thing  hath 
failed  of  all  the  good  things  which  the 
Lord  your  God  spake  concerning  you; 
all  are  come  to  pass  unto  you,  and  not 
one  thing  hath  failed  thereof.  Josh, 
xxiii.  14. 

In  all  my  ways  thy  hand  I  own, 

Thy  ruling  providence  I  see ; 
Assist  me  still  my  course  to  run, 
And  still  direct  my  paths  to  thee. 


9.         OF  UNNUMBERED    BLESSINGS. 

Many,  0  Lord  my  God,  are  thy  won- 
derful works  which  thou  hast  done,  and 
thy  thoughts  which  are  to  us-ward  : 
they  cannot  be  reckoned  up  in  order 
unto  thee  :  if  I  would  declare  and  speak 
of  them,  they  are  more  than  can  be 
numbered.     Psalm  xl.  5. 

For  mercies  countless  as  the  sand, 

Which  daily  I  receive 
From  Jesus,  my  Redeemer's  hand, 
My  soul,  what  caust  thou  give  ? 


believer's  retrospections.  151 


10.     OF  EARLY  PIOUS  INSTRUCTION. 

Continue  thou  in  the  things  "which 
thou  hast  learned  and  hast  been  as- 
sured of,  knowing  of  whom  thou  hast 
learned  them.     2  Tim.  iii.  14. 

Lord,  hast  thou  made  me  know  thy  ways  ? 

Condqpt  me  in  thy  fear ; 
And  gran*  me  such  supplies  of  grace 

That  I  may  persevere. 


11.  OP  HIS  NATURAL  STATE. 

You  that  were  sometime  alienated 
and  enemies  in  your  mind  by  wicked 
works,  yet  now  hath  he  reconciled. 
Col.  \.  21. 

Plunged  in  a  gulf  of  dark  despair, 

We  wretched  sinners  lay, 
Without  one  cheerful  beam  of  hope, 

Or  spark  of  glimmering  day. 


152  OCTOBER. 

12,     OF  THE  SINS  OP  HIS  LIFE. 

How  many  are  mine  iniquities  and 
sins  !  make  me  to  know  my  transgres- 
sion and  my  sin.     Joh  xiii.  23. 

My  past  transgressions  pain  me  ; 

Lord,  cleanse  my  heart  within ; 
And  evermore  I'estrain  me 

From  all  presumptuous  sin. 
So  let  my  whole  behaviour,  ^ 

Thoughts,  words,  and  actions  he, 
0  God,  my  strength  and  Saviour, 

Acceptable  to  thee. 


13.      OP  PAST  UNPROFITABLENESS, 

For  when  ye  were  the  servants  of 
sin,  ye  were  free  from  righteousness. 
What  fruit  had  ye  then  in  those  things 
•whereof  ye  are  now  ashamed  ?  Rom. 
vi.  29,  21. 

Lord,  I  confess  my  numerous  faults. 
How  great  my  guilt  has  been  ; 

Foolish  and  vain  were  all  my  thoughts, 
And  all  my  life  was  sin. 


believer's   retrospections.  153 

14.  of  the  seasok  of  conversion. 

Giving  thanks  unto  the  Father, 
which  hath  made  us  meet  to  be  par- 
takers of  the  inheritance  of  the  saints 
in  light  :  who  hath  delivered  us  frcim 
the  power  of  darkness,  and  hath  trans- 
lated us  into  the  kingdom  of  his  dear 
Son.     Col.  i.  12,  13. 

Since  the  dear  hour  that  brought  me  to  thy 

foot, 
And  cut  up  all  my  follies  by  the  root, 
I  never  trusted  iu  an  arm  but  thine. 
Nor  hoped  but  in  thy  righteousness  Divine: 
Cast  at  thy  glorious  feet,  mine  only  plea 
Is  what  it  was,  dependence  upon  thee. 


15.      OF  SPIRITUAL  DELIVERANCE. 

Great  is  thy  mercy  toward  me  :  and 
thou  hast  delivered  ray  soul  from  the 
lowest  hell.     Psalm  Ixxxvi.  13. 

He  pardoned  my  transgressions, 
Bade  all  my  sorrows  cease; 

Ajid,  in  his  rich  compassions, 
Restored  my  soul  to  peace. 


154  OCTOBER. 


16.        OF  SPIRITUAL  ENJOYMENTS. 

I  sat  down  under  his  shadow  with 
great  delight,  and  his  fruit  was  sweet 
to  my  taste.  He  brought  me  to  the 
banqueting  house,  and  his  banner  over 
me  was  love.      Sol.  Song  ii.  3,  4. 

Kindly  he  brought  me  to  the  place 
Where  stands  the  banquet  of  his  grace; 
He  saw  me  faint,  and  o'er  my  head 
The  banner  of  his  love  he  spread. 


17,        OP  SUPPORT  IN  AFFLICTION. 

Unless  thy  law  had  been  my  delight, 
I  should  then  have  perished  in  mine 
affliction.     Psalm  cx'ix.  92. 

God  of  my  life,  how  good,  how  wise 
Thy  judgments  to  my  soul  have  been  1 

They  were  but  blessings  in  disguise, 
The  painful  remedies  of  sin. 

How  different  now  thy  ways  appear. 

Most  merciful,  when  most  severe ! 


believer's  retrospections.  155 

18,        op  answers  to  prayer. 

I  love  the  Lord,  because  he  hath 
heard  my  voice  and  iny  supplications. 
Because  he  hath  inclined  his  ear  unto 
•me,  therefore  will  I  call  upon  him  as 
long  as  I  live.     Psalm  cxvi.  1,  2. 

Did  ever  trouble  yet  befall^ 
And  he  refuse  to  hear  thy  call  ? 
And  has  he  not  his  promise  passed, 
That  thou  shalt  overcome  at  last  ? 


19.  OF  DELIVERANCE  FROM  ADVERSITY. 

I  will  be  glad  and  rejoice  in  thy 
mercy  :  for  thou  hast  considered  my 
trouble  ;  thou  hast  known  my  soul  in 
adversities.     Psalm  xxxi.  7. 

Oh,  magnify  the  Lord  with  me ; 

Come,  join  his  name  to  bless  : 
To  him  did  I  in  trouble  flee; 

He  saved  me  from  distress  : 
Oh,  let  him  then  your  refuj!;e  be, 

Nor  shall  you  want  success  ! 


156  OCTOBER. 


20.  OF  DELIVERANCE  FROM  DANGER. 

Thou  drewe^t  near  in  the  day  that  I 
called  upon  thee  :  thou  saidst,  Fear 
not.  0  Lord,  thou  hast  pleaded  the 
-zauses  of  uiy  soul ;  thou  hast  redeemed 
my  life.     Lam.  iii.  57,  58. 

Be  all  my  added  life  employed 
Thy  imasie  in  my  soul  to  see: 

Fill  with  thyself  the  mighty  void  ; 
Enlarge  my  heart  to  compass  thee. 


21.    OF  DELIVERANCE  FROM  DEATH. 

0  Lord,  thou  hast  brought  up  ray 
soul  from  the  grave  :  thou  hast  kept 
me  alive,  that  I  should  not  go  down  to 
the  pit.     Psalm  xxx.  3. 

Thy  mercy  chased  the  shades  of  death, 
And  snatched  me  from  the  grave  ; 

Oh  may  thy  praise  employ  that  hreath 
Which  mercy  deigns  to  save ! 


believer's  retrospections.  157 

22.  of  the  vanity  of  human  life. 
And  Jacob  said  unto  Pharaoh,  The 

days  of  the  years  of  my  pilgrimage  are 
an  hundred  and  thirty  years  :  few  and 
evil  have  the  days  of  the  years  of  my 
life  been.      Gen.  xlvii.  9. 

This  life's  a  dream,  an  empty  show, 
But  the  bright  world  to  which  I  go 
Hath  joys  substantial  and  sincere: 
"When  shall  I  wake  and  find  me  there  ? 

23.  OF    DEPARTED    FRIENDS. 

I  would  not  have  you  to  be  ignorant, 
brethren,  concerning  them  which  are 
asleep,  that  ye  sorrow  not,  even  as  others 
which  have  no  hope.  For  if  we  believe 
that  Jesus  died  and  rose  again,  even  so 
them  also  which  sleep  in  Jesus  will  God 
bring  with  him.     1  Thesa.  iv.  13,  14. 

Though  loved  and  lost,  not  ours  the  pang 
of  those  [knows  : 

Whose  earth-born  grief  no  heavenly  balsam 

We  would  not  call  their  spirits  from  their 
home  [not  come. 

Where  sin  assails  them  not,  and  sorrow  can- 


158  OCTOBER. 

24.    AGED  believer's    RETROSPECT. 

0  God,  thou  hast  taught  me  from 
my  youth  :  and  hitherto  have  I  declared 
thy  wondrous  works.  Now  also  when 
I  am  old  and  gray -headed,  0  God,  for- 
sake me  not.     Psalm  Ixxi.  17,  18. 

Still  hath  my  life  new  wonders  seen 

Repeated  every  year  : 
Behold,  my  days  which  yet  remain 

I  trust  them  to  thy  care. 


25.  RETROSPECTION  SHOULD  LEAD  TO 
GRATITUDE. 

What  shall  I  render  unto  the  Lord 
for  all  his  benefits  toward  me  I  I  will 
take  the  cup  of  salvation,  and  call  upon 
the  name  of  the  Lord.  Psalm  cxvi.  12, 
13. 

When  all  thy  mercies,  0  my  God, 

My  rising  soul  surveys, 
Transported  with  the  view,  I'm  lost 

lu  wonder,  love,  and  praise. 


believer's  retrospections.  159 

26.  retrospection  should  lead  to 
self-examination. 
I  have  considered  the  days  of  old,  the 
years  of  ancient  times.  I  call  to  re- 
membrance my  song  in  the  night  :  I 
commune  with  mine  own  heart:  and 
my  spirit  made  diligent  search.  Psalm 
Ixxvii.  5,  6. 

Help  me,  0  Lord,  to  try  my  heart, 

To  search  with  strictest  care, 
And  all  my  thoughts,  and  words,  and  ways. 

With  Scripture  to  compare. 


27.   RETROSPECTION  SHOULD  LEAD  TO 
SELF-ABASEMENT. 

And  Jacob  said,  I  am  not  worthy 
of  the  least  of  all  thy  mercies,  and  of 
all  the  truth,  which  thou  hast  shewed 
unto  thy  servant.     Gen.  xxxii.  10. 

Unworthy,  Lord,  of  all 
Thy  mercies  though  we  be, 
Yet  for  the  greatest  we  may  call, 
The  greatest  are  most  free. 


IfiO  OCTOBER. 

28.  RETROSPECTION  SHOtTLD  LEAD  TO 
REPENTANCE. 

Surely  it  is  meet  to  be  said  unto 
God,  I  have  borne  chastisement,  I  will 
not  offend  any  more:  that  which  I  see 
not  teach  thou  me :  if  I  have  done  in- 
iquity, I  will  do  no  more.  Job  xxxiv. 
31,  32. 

In  thought,  in  will,  in  word  and  deed, 

What  evils  have  I  done, 
Against  the  God  of  grace  and  love, 

His  Spirit  and  his  Son ! 


29.  RETROSPECTION  SHOULD  LEAD  TO 
AMENDMENT  OP  LIFE. 

I  thought  on  my  ways,  and  turned 
my  feet  unto  thy  testimonies.  I  made 
haste,  and  delayed  not  to  keep  thy 
commandments.     Psalm  cxix.  59,  60. 

Thou  art  my  portion,  0  my  God ; 

Soon  as  I  know  thy  way. 
My  heart  makes  haste  to  obey  thy  word, 

And  suffers  no  delay. 


believer's   beteospections.  161 

30.  retrospection  should  lead  to 

confidence  in  god. 
Return  unto  thy  rest,  0  my  soul;  for 
the  Lord  hath  dealt  bountifully  with 
thee.    For  thou  hast  delivered  my  soul 
from  death,  mine  eyes  from  tears,  and 
my  feet  from  falling.  Psalm  cxvi.  7,8. 
For  this,  when  future  sorrows  rise, 
To  him  will  I  direct  my  cries; 
For  this,  through  all  my  future  days, 
Adore  his  name,  and  sing  his  praise. 

31.  RETROSPECTION  SHOULD  LEAD  TO 

DEVOTEDNESS   TO  GOD. 

Only  fear  the  Lord,  and  serve  him 
in  truth  with  all  your  heart  :  for  con- 
sider how  great  things  he  hath  done 
for  you.     1  Sam.  xii.  24. 

My  God.  my  Kiug,  thy  various  praise 
Shall  fill  the  remnant  of  my  days; 
Thy  grace  employ  my  humble  tongue 
Till  death  and  glory  raise  the  song. 
May  every  hour  successive  hear 
Some  thankful  tribute  to  thine  ear; 
And  by  thy  grace  accepted  be, 
As  works  of  love  performed  for  thee. 
11 


NOYEMBEE. 


ANTICIPATIONS  OF  THE 
BELIEVER. 

1.  believer's  confidence  in  god. 
My  times  are    in  thy  hand:  make 

thy  face  to  shine  upon  thy  servant : 
save  me  for  thy  mercies'  sake.  Psalm 
xxxi.  15,  16. 

"  My  times  are  in  thy  hand," 
My  God,  I  wish  them  there  : 
My  life,  my  friends,  my  soul,  I  leave 
Entirely  to  thy  care. 

2.  OF  FUTURE  SUPPORT. 

Trust  in  the  Lord,  and  do  good  ;  so 
shalt  thou  dwell  in  the  land,  and  verily 
thou  shalt  be  fed.    Psalm  xxxvii.  3,  4. 

The  birds  without  barn  or  storehouse  are  fed; 
From  them  let  us  learn  to  trust  for  our  bread: 
His  saints  what  is  fitting   shall  ne'er  be 

denied, 
So  long  as  'tis  written,  The  Lord  will  provide. 
(162) 


believer's  anticipations.    163 

3.   of  deliverance  from  trouble. 

Thou,  which  hast  shewed  me  great 
and  sore  troubles,  shalt  quicken  me 
again,  and  shalt  bring  me  up  again 
from  the  depths  of  the  earth.  Psalm 
Ixxi.  20. 

From  every  piercing  sorrow- 
That  heaves  our  breast  to-day 

Or  threatens  us  to-morrow, 
Hope  turns  our  eyes  away; 

On  wings  of  faith  ascending, 
We  see  the  land  of  light, 

And  feel  our  sorrows  ending 
In  infinite  delight. 


4.  OF  BEING  KEPT  BY  CHRIST. 

I  know  whom  I  have  believed,  and 
am  persuaded  that  he  is  able  to  keep 
that  which  I  have  committed  unto  him 
against  that  day.     2  Tim.  i.  12. 

Beneath  his  smiles  my  heart  has  lived, 
And  part  of  heaven  possessed  ; 

I  thank  him  for  the  grace  received, 
And  trust  him  for  the  rest. 


164         NOVEMBER. 


5.  OF  THE  COMPLETION  OF  THE  WORK 
OF  GRACE. 

Being  confident  of  this  very  thing, 
that  he  which  hath  begun  a  good  work 
in  you  will  perform  it  until  the  day  of 
Jesus  Christ.     Phil.  i.  6. 

He  will  complete  the  work  begun, 

He  will  his  own  defend ; 
Will  give  me  strength  my  course  to  run, 

And  love  me  to  the  end. 


6.  OP  THE  TRIUMPHS  OP  THE  GOSPEL. 

His  name  shall  endure  for  ever  :  his 
name  shall  be  continued  as  long  as  the 
sun  :  and  men  shall  be  blessed  in  him, 
all   nations    shall   call    him    blessed. 
Psalm  Ixxii.  17. 
Lord,  let  the  thought  of  that  bright  day 
Kindle  our  hopes,  and  warm  our  love; 
Cheer  us  while  here  ou  earth  we  pray. 
And  crown  our  song  in  heaven  above. 


believer's  anticipations.    165 


7.        OF  THE  END  OF  HIS  ■WARFARE. 

The  time  of  my  departure  is  at  hand. 
I  have  fought  a  good  fight,  I  have 
finished  my  course,  I  have  kept  the 
faith.     2  Tim.  iv.  6,  7. 

Oh  most  delightful  hour  by  man 

Experienced  here  below, 
The  hour  that  terminates  his  span 

Of  conflict  and  of  woe. 


8.  OP  VICTORY  OVER  SATAN. 

The  God  of  peace  shall  bruise  Satan 
under  your  feet  shortly.  Rom.  xvi.  20. 

Now  let  my  soul  arise, 

And  tread  the  tempter  down; 
My  Captain  leads  me  forth 
To  conquest  and  a  crown  : 
A  feeble  saint  shall  win  the  day, 
Though  death  and  hell  obstruct  the  way. 


166  NOVEMBER. 


9.  OP  VICTORY  OVER  SIN. 

Oh  wretched  man  that  I  am  !  who 
shall  deliver  me  from  the  body  of  this 
death  ?  I  thank  God,  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.     Rom.  vii.  24,  25, 

Now  to  the  God  of  victory 

Immortal  thanks  be  paid, 
Who  makes  us  conquerors  while  we  die, 

Though  Christ  our  living  Head. 


10.     OF  VICTORY  OVER  THE  GRAVE. 

God  will  redeem  my  soul  from  the 
power  of  the  grave :  for  he  shall  receive 
me.     Psalm  xlix.  15. 

There,  till  the  archangel's  trumpet  sound, 

Ages  of  silence  I  shall  lie  ; 
Then  from  my  earthly  cell  rebound. 

Glorious  in  immortality. 


believer's  anticipations.     167 

11.    of  the  certainty  op  death. 

When  a  few  years  are  come,  then  I 
shall  go  the  way  whence  I  shall  not 
return.     Job  xvi.  22. 

Welcome,  sweet  hour  of  full  discharge. 
That  sets  my  longing  soul  at  large  ; 
Unbinds  my  chains,  breaks  up  my  cell, 
And  gives  me  with  my  God  to  dwell. 


12.   OP  SUPPORT  IN  THE  HOUR  OF 
DEATH. 

Yea,  though  I  walk  through  the 
valley  of  the  shadow  of  death,  I  will 
fear  no  evil :  for  thou  art  with  me ;  thy 
rod  and  thy  staff  they  comfort  me. 
Psalm  xxiii,  4. 

When  the  vale  of  death  appears, 
(Faint  and  cold  this  mortal  clay,) 

Kind  Forerunner,  soothe  my  fears. 
Light  me  through  the  darksome  way : 

Break  the  shadows, 
Usher  in  eternal  day. 


168         KOVEMBER. 

13.  OP  THE  END  OF  THE  WORLD. 

The  day  of  the  Lord  will  come  as  a 
thief  in  the  night  •  in  the  which  the 
heavens  shall  pass  away  with  a  great 
noise,  and  the  elements  shall  melt  with 
fervent  heat,  the  earth  al&o  and  the 
works  that  are  therein  shall  be  burned 
up.     2  Pet.  iii.  10. 

Lo !  it  comes — that  day  of  wonder ! 

Louder  chorals  shake  the  skies : 
Hades'  gates  are  burst  asunder  ; 

See  the  new-clothed  myriads  rise 

14.  OF  A  JOYFUL  RESURRECnOX. 

I  know  that  my  Redeemer  liveth, 
and  that  he  shall  stand  at  the  latter  day 
upon  the  earth  :  and  though  after  my 
skin  worms  destroy  this  body,  yet  in  my 
flesh  shall  I  see  God.   Job  xix.  25,  26. 

Though  worms  may  waste  this  withering 
clay, 

When  flesh  and  spirit  sever  ; 
My  soul  shall  see  eternal  day, 

And  dwell  with  God  for  ever. 


believer's  Anticipations.     169 

15.     op  the  coming  of  christ  to 
judgment. 

Behold,  he  cometh  with  clouds;  and 
every  63^6  shall  see  him,  and  they  also 
which  pierced  him  :  and  all  kindreds 
of  the  earth  shall  wail  because  of  him. 
Bev.  i.  7. 
Great  God  !  ■what  do  I  see  and  hear! 

The  end  of  things  created  : 
The  Judiie  of  mankind  doth  appear 

In  clouds  of  glory  seated ; 
The  trumpet  sounds,  the  graves  restore 
The  dead  which  they  contained  before  : 
Prepare,  my  soul,  to  meet  him. 


16.  OF  MEETING  THE  JUDGE. 

We  must  all  appear  before  the 
judgment  seat  of  Christ ;  that  every 
one  may  receive  the  things  done  in  his 
body,  according  to  that  he  hath  done, 
whether  it  be  good  or  bad.  2  Cor.  v.  10. 

Oh  !  on  that  day,  that  wrathful  day, 
When  man  to  judgment  wakes  from  clay. 
Lord,  be  the  trembling  sinner's  stay, 
Though  heaven  and  earth  shall  pass  away. 


170  NOVEMBER. 

17.  OF  ENTIRE  ACQUITTAL. 

Who  shall  lay  any  thing  to  the  charge 
of  God's  elect  ?  It  is  God  that  justi- 
fieth.  Who  is  he  that  condemneth  ?  It 
is  Christ  that  died  ;  yea  rather,  that  is 
risen  again,  who  is  even  at  the  right 
hand  of  God,  who  also  maketh  inter- 
cession for  us.     Mom.  viii.  33,  34. 

Fear  not  the  trump's  earth-rending  sound, 

Dread  not  the  day  of  doom ; 
For  He  that  is  to  be  thy  Judge, 

Thy  Saviour  is  become. 


18.  OP  PARTICIPATION  IN  THE 

JUDGMENT. 

Do  ye  not  know  that  the  saints  shall 
judge  the  world  ?     1  Cor.  vi.  2. 

See  the  Judge,  our  nature  wearing, 

Clothed  in  majesty  divine ; 
Ye  who  long  for  his  appearing 

Then  shall  say,  "This  God  is  mine:'* 
Gracious  Saviour, 

Own  us  in  that  day  as  thine ! 


belieyer's  anticipations.    171 

19.  op  being  presented  faultless. 

Unto  him  that  is  able  to  keep  you 
from  falling,  and  to  present  you  fault- 
less before  the  presence  of  his  glory 
with  exceeding  joy.     Jude  24. 

What  transport  then  shall  fill  my  heart. 
When  thou  my  worthless  name  wilt  own; 

When  I  shall  see  thee  as  thou  art, 
And  know  as  I  myself  am  known  ! 


20.      OF  AN  INCORRUPTIBLE  BODY. 

So  when  this  corruptible  shall  have 
put  on  incorruption,  and  this  mortal 
shall  have  put  on  immortality,  then 
shall  be  brought  to  pass  the  saying 
that  is  written,  Death  is  swallowed  up 
in  victory.     1  Cor.  xv.  54. 

Where  then  thy  triumph,  Grave  ?  and  where 

thy  stino;, 
0  sullen  Death?    what   terror  dost  thou 

bring  ? 
We  burst  thy  iron  hand,  and  soar  on  high  : 
Glory  to   Christ  the   Lord,  who  brings  us 

victory ! 


172  NOVEMBER. 


21.  OF  A  GLORIOUS    BODY. 

Who  shall  change  our  vile  body, 
that  it  may  be  fashioned  like  unto  his 
glorious  body,  according  to  the  work- 
ing whereby  he  is  able  even  to  subdue 
all  things  unto  himself.     Phil.  iii.  17. 

My  flesh  shall  slumber  in  the  ground 
Till  the  last  trumpet's  joyful  sound; 
Then  burst  the  chains,  with  sweet  surprise, 
And  in  my  Saviour's  image  rise. 


22.  OF  BEING  WITH    CHRIST. 

To  me  to  live  is  Christ,  and  to  die 
is  gain.  For  I  am  in  a  strait  betwixt 
two,  having  a  desire  to  depart,  and  to 
be  with  Christ,  which  is  far  better. 
Phil.  i.  21,  23. 

'Tis  best,  'tis  infinitely  best, 
To  go  where  tempests  never  come  ; 

Where  saints  and  angels,  ever  blest, 
Dwell,  and  enjoy  their  heavenly  home. 


believer's  anticipations.    173 

23.  of  being  ever  "with  christ. 

Then  we  which  ai'e  alive  and  remain 
shall  be  caught  up  together  with  them 
in  the  clouds,  to  meet  the  Lord  in  the 
air  :  and  so  shall  we  ever  be  with  the 
Lord.     1  These,  iv.  17. 

Oh,  who  can  tell  what  joy  shall  beam 

Ou  all  the  ransomed  race, 
When  they  shall  join  the  hallowed  strains 

And  see  the  Saviour's  face  I 


24.        OF  REIGNING  WITH  CHRIST. 

It  is  a  faithful  saying  :  For  if  we  be 
dead  with  him,  we  shall  also  live  with 
him  :  if  we  suffer,  we  shall  also  reign 
with  him.     2  7'im.  ii.  11,  12. 

Ever  upward  may  we  move, 
Wafted  on  the  wings  of  love  : 
Looking  when  our  Lord  shall  come. 
Longing,  gasping  after  home ! 
There  may  we  with  thee  remain, 
Partners  of  thine  endless  reign. 


174:  NOVEMBER. 

25.  OP  BEING  LIKE   CHRIST. 

Beloved,  now  are  we  the  sons  of 
God,  and  it  doth  not  yet  appear  what 
we  shall  be  :  but  we  know  that,  when 
he  shall  appear,  we  shall  be  like  him; 
for  we  shall  see  him  as  he  is.  1  John 
iii.  2. 

Him  eye  to  eye  we  there  shall  see, 
Our  face  like  his  shall  shine : 

Oh.  what  a  glorious  company, 
When  saints  and  angels  join  I 


26.     OP  AN  HEAVENLY  HABITATION. 

We  know  that  if  our  earthly  house 
of  this  tabernacle  were  dissolved,  we 
have  a  building  of  God,  an  house  not 
made  with  hands,  eternal  in  the  hea- 
vens.    2  Cor.  V.  1. 

There  is  a  home  for  weary  souls, 

By  sin  and  sorrow  driven  ; 
When  tossed  on  life's  tempestuous  shoals, 
Where  storms  arise,  and  ocean  rolls, 

'Tis  found  above — in  heaven. 


believer's  anticipations.     175 

27.  of  perfection  of  knowledge 

in  heaven. 

Now  we  see  through  a  glass,  darkly ; 
but  then  face  to  face  :  now  I  know  in 
part ;  but  then  shall  I  know  even  as 
also  I  am  known.     1  Cor.  xiii.  12. 

As  through  a  glass  I  dimly  see 

The  wonders  of  thy  love  ; 
How  little  do  I  know  of  thee, 

Or  of  the  joys  ahove ! 
'Tis  but  in  part  I  know  thy  will— 

I  bless  thee  for  the  sight ; 
When  will  thy  love  the  rest  reveal 

In  glory's  clearer  light  ? 

28.  OF  A  CROWN  OF  RIGHTEOTTSNESS. 

Henceforth  there  is  laid  up  for  me  a 
crown  of  righteousness,  which  the  Lord, 
the  righteous  Judge,  shall  give  me  at 
that  day.     2  Tim.  iv.  8. 

God  has  laid  up  in  heaven  for  me 

A  crown  which  cannot  fade ; 
The  righteous  Judge,  in  that  great  day, 

Shall  place  it  ou  my  head. 


176  NOVEMBER. 

29.  OF  REUNION  WITH  GLORIFIED 

SPIRITS. 

What  is  our  hope,  or  joy,  or  crown 
of  rejoicing?  Are  not  even  ye  in  the 
presence  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  at 
his  coming?     1  Thcss.  ii,  19. 

We  soon  shall  join  the  throng, 
Their  pleasures  we  shall  share, 

And  sing  the  everlasting?  song 
With  all  the  ransomed  there  : 

Hallelujah! 
We  are  on  our  way  to  God. 

30.  belieyer's  anticipations  a  call 

to  holiness. 
Wherefore,  beloved,  seeing  that  ye 
look  for  such  things,  be  diligent  that 
ye  may  be  found  of  him  in  peace, 
without  spot,  and  blameless.  2  Pet. 
iii.  14. 

Yet  with  these  prospects  full  in  sight 
I'll  wait  thy  signal  for  my  flight; 
For  while  thy  service  T  pursue, 
I  find  a  heaven  in  all  I  do. 


DECEMBER. 


FINAL  BLESSEDNESS  OF 
THE  BELIEVER, 


1.   ETERNAL  LIFE  THE  GIFT  OF  GOD. 

Now  being  made  free  from  sin,  and 
become  servants  to  God,  ye  have  your 
fruit  unto  holiness,  and  the  end  ever- 
lasting life.  For  the  wages  of  sin  is 
death  ;  but  the  gift  of  God  is  eternal 
life  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Horn.  vi.  22,  23. 

From  thee,  my  God,  my  joys  shall  rise, 

And  run  eternal  rounds, 
Beyond  the  limits  of  the  skies. 

And  all  created  bounds. 

12  ( 177  ) 


l^'S  DECEMBER. 

2.    ETERNAL  LIFE  THE  PURCHASE  OP 
CHRIST. 

Neither  by  the  blood  of  goats  and 
calves,  but  by  his  own  blood  he  entered 
in  once  into  the  holy  place,  having 
obtained  etei*nal  redemption  for  us. 
Heh.  ix.  12. 

Pardon  and  peace  to  dying  men, 
And  endless  life  are  given : 

By  the  rich  blood  that  Jesus  shed 
Our  souls  are  brought  to  heaven. 


3.   ETERNAL  LIFE    SECURED  BY  THE 
SPIRIT. 

The  Holy  Spirit  of  promise  is  the 
earnest  of  our  inheritance  until  the  re- 
demption of  the  purchased  possession, 
unto  the  praise  of  his  glory.  Eph.  i. 
13,  14. 

Dost  thou  not  dwell  in  all  the  saints, 
And  spal  the  heirs  of  heaven  ? 

When  wilt  thou  banish  my  complaints, 
And  show  my  sins  forgiven  ? 


FINAL  BLESSEDNESS.  179 

4.    HEAVEN  THE  DESIRE  OF  THE  SAINTS. 

Whilst  we  are  at  home  in  the  body, 
we  are  absent  from  the  Lord,  we  are 
confident,  and  willing  rather  to  be  ab- 
sent from  the  body,  and  to  be  present 
with  the  Lord.     2  Cor.  v.  6,  8. 

In  that  bright  city  I  would  dwell, 
"With  that  blessed  church  the  Saviour 
praise. 

And,  safe  redeemed  from  death  and  hell, 
Sit  at  his  feet  through  endless  days. 


5.  HEAVEN  A  REST. 

There  remaineth  a  rest  to  the  people 
of  God.     Heh.  \v.  9. 

Oh  where  shall  rest  be  found, 

Rest  for  the  weary  soul  ? 
'Twere  vain  the  ocean-depths  to  sound, 

Or  pierce  to  either  pole. 

Beyond  this  vale  of  tears. 

There  is  a  life  above, 
Unmeasured  by  the  flight  of  years— 

And  all  that  life  is  love. 


180  DECEMBER. 

6.    HEAVEN  COMPARED  TO  A  MARRIAGK 
SUPPER. 

Write,  Blessed  are  they  which  are 
called  unto  the  marriage  supper  of  the 
Lamb.     Rev.  xix.  9. 
"Worthy  the  Lamb!"  aloud  they  cry, 

"  That  brought  us  here  to  God :" 
In  ceaseless  hymns  of  praise  they  shout 
The  merits  of  his  blood. 


7.  HEAVEN  AN  INHERITANCE. 

He  is  the  mediator  of  the  new  testa- 
ment, that  by  means  of  death,  for  the 
redemption  of  the  transgressions  that 
were  under  the  first  testament,  they 
which  are  called  might  receive  the 
promise  of  eternal  inheritance.  Heh. 
ix.  15. 

There  is  my  house  and  portion  fair, 

My  treasure  and  my  heart  are  there, 
And  my  abiding  home  ; 

For  me  my  elder  brethren  stay, 

And  angels  beckon  me  away, 
And  Jesus  bids  me  come. 


riNAL  BLESSEDNESS.  !!81 

8.  HEAVEN  A  KINGDOM. 

I  appoint  unto  you  a  kingdom,  as 
my  Father  hath  appointed  unto  me ; 
that  ye  may  eat  and  drink  at  my  table 
in  my  kingdom.     Luke  xxii.  29,  30. 

0  God!  0  Good  beyond  compare! 
If  all  thy  meaner  works  are  fair, 
How  glorious  must  that  kingdom  be, 
Where  thy  redeemed  shall  dwell  with  thee ! 


9.   HEAVEN  IS  PREPARED  MANSIONS. 

In  my  Father's  house  are  many  man- 
sions :  if  it  were  not  so,  I  would  have 
told  you.  I  go  to  prepare  a  place  for 
you.     John  xiv.  2. 

High  in  yonder  realms  of  light, 
Far  above  these  lower  skies, 

Fair  and  exquisitely  bright, 
Heaven's  unfading  mansions  rise. 

Glad  within  these  blest  abodes, 
Dwell  th'  enraptured  saints  above. 

Where  no  anxious  care  corrodes, 
Happy  in  Immanuers  love. 


182  DECEMBER. 

10.  HEAVgK  COMPARED  TO  PARADISE. 

Jesus  said  unto  him,  Verily  I  say 
unto  thee,  To-day  shalt  thou  be  with 
me  in  paradise.     Luke  xxiii.  43. 

There  is  a  land  of  pure  delight, 
Where  saints  immortal  reign  ; 

Infinite  day  excludes  the  night, 
And  pleasures  banish  pain. 

There  everlasting  spring  abides, 
And  never-withering  flowers: 

Death,  like  a  narrow  sea,  divides 
This  heavenly  land  from  ours. 


11.   HEAVEN  A  STATE  OP  HOLINESS. 

There  shall  in  no  wise  enter  into  it 
any  thing  that  defileth,  neither  whatso- 
ever worketh  abomination,  or  maketh 
a  lie  ;  but  they  which  are  written  in 
the  Lamb's  book  of  life.  Rev.  xxi.  27. 

The  soul,  from  sin  for  ever  free. 
Shall  mourn  its  power  no  more, 

But  clothed  in  spotless  purity, 
Redeeming  love  adore. 


PINAL  BLESSEDNESS.  183 


12.  HEAVEN  A  STATE  OP  HAPPINESS. 

Thou  wilt  show  me  the  path  of  life : 
in  thy  presence  is  fulness  of  joy  ,•  at 
thy  right  hand  there  are  pleasures  for 
evermore.     Psalm  xvi.  11. 

Love,  in  an  ever-deepening  tide, 

O'er  all  the  plains  above 
Spreads,  like  a  sea  immensely  wid^— 

For  God  himself  is  love. 


13.   HEAVEN  A  STATE  OF  SERVICE. 

They  serve  him  day  and  night  in  his 
temple ;  and  he  that  sitteth  on  the 
throne  shall  dwell  among  them.  Bev. 
vii.  15. 

And  swift  to  do  his  high  behest 
Each  spirit  wings  its  flight ; 

And  virtue  glows  on  every  breast, 
A  gem  of  purest  light. 


184  DECEMBER, 


14.  NO  SORROW  m  HEAVEN. 

God  shall  wipe  away  all  tears  from 
their  eyes  ;  and  there  shall  he  no  more 
death,  neither  sorrow,  nor  crying,  nei- 
ther shall  there  be  any  more  pain  ;  for 
the  former  things  are  passed  away. 
Jtev.  xxi.  4. 

Joy  and  gladness  banish  sighs, 
Perfect  love  dispels  their  fears, 

And  for  ever  from  their  eyes, 
God  shall  wipe  away  all  tears. 


15.  NO  CURSE  IN  HEAVEN. 

There  shall  be  no  more  curse  :  but 
the  throne  of  God  and  of  the  Lamb 
shall  be  in  it.     Rev.  xxii.  3. 

When  we  shall  Christ  in  glory  meet, 
Our  utmost  joys  shall  be  complete  : 
When  landed  on  that  heavenly  shore, 
Death  and  the  curse  shall  be  no  more. 


FINAL  BLESSEDNESS.  185 

16.  NO  NIGHT  IN  HEAVEN. 

There  shall  be  no  night  there  ;  and 
they  need  no  candle,  neither  light  of 
the  sun ;  for  the  Lord  God  giveth  them 
light :  and  they  shall  reign  for  ever  and 
ever.     Rev.  xxii.  5. 

Nor  needed  is  the  shining  moon, 
Nor  e'en  the  sun's  hright  ray  ; 

For  glory,  from  the  sacred  throne, 
Spreads  everlasting  day. 


17.  NO  DEATH  IN  HEATEN. 

They  which  shall  be  accounted  worthy 
to  obtain  that  world,  and  the  resurrec- 
tion from  the  dead,  neither  marry  nor 
are  given  in  marriage  :  neither  can  they 
die  any  more  :  for  they  are  equal  unto 
the  angels.     Luke  xx.  35,  36. 

There  pain  and  sickness  never  come. 
And  grief  no  more  complains  ; 

Health  triumphs  in  immortal  bloom, 
And  endless  pleasure  reigns. 


186  DECEMBER. 

18.  PRAISES  OP  HEAYEN. 

They  sung  a  new  song,  saying,  Thou 
wast  slain,  and  hast  redeemed  us  to 
God  by  thy  blood  out  of  every  kindred, 
and  tongue,  and  people,  and  nation. 
Rev.  V.  9. 

Hark !  hark !  the  voice  of  ceaseless  praise 

Around  Jehovah's  throne! 
gongs  of  celestial  joy  they  raise, 

To  mortal  lips  unknown. 


19.  SOCIETY  OF  HEAVEN. 

These  are  they  which  came  out  of 
great  tribulation,  and  have  washed 
their  robes,  and  made  them  white  in 
the  blood  of  the  Lamb :  therefore  are 
they  before  the  throne  of  God.  Rev. 
vii.  14.  15. 

Clad  in  raiment  pure  and  white, 
Victor  palms  in  every  hand, 

Through  their  great  Redeemer's  might, 
Jlore  than  conquerors  they  stand. 


FmAL  BLESSEDNESS.  187 


20.      SAINTS  SHALL  BE  WITH   GOD. 

He  will  dwell  with  them,  and  they 
shall  be  his  people,  and  God  himself 
shall  be  with  them,  and  be  their  God. 
Eev.  xxi.  3. 

Oh  glorious  hour !  oh  blest  abode ! 
I  shall  be  near  and  like  my  God  ; 
And  flesh  and  sin  no  more  control 
The  sacred  pleasures  of  the  soul. 


21 .   SAINTS  SHALL  BE  WITH  CHRIST. 

Father,  I  will  that  they  also,  whom 
thou  hast  given  me,  be  with  me  where 
I  am  ;  that  they  may  behold  my  glory. 
John  xvii.  24. 

Oh  then  shall  the  veil  be  removed. 

And  round  me  thy  brightness  be  poured: 

I  shall  meet  Him  whom  absent  I  loved, 
I  shall  see  Him  whom  unseen  I  adored  I 


188  DECEMBER. 


22.  SAINTS  SHALL  INHERIT  ALL  THINGS. 

He  that  overcometh  shall  inherit  all 
things  ;  and  I  will  be  his  God,  and  he 
shall  be  my  son.     Rev.  xxi.  7. 

The  saints  in  his  presence  receive 
Their  great  and  eternal  reward ; 

With  Jesus  in  heaven  they  live; 
They  reign  in  the  smile  of  their  Lord. 


23.         SAINTS  SHALL  BE  PERFECT. 

Te  are  come  unto  the  general  assem- 
bly and  church  of  the  first-born,  which 
are  written  in  heaven,  and  to  God  the 
Judge  of  all,  and  to  the  spirits  of  just 
men  made  perfect.     Heh.  xii.  22,  23. 

A  life  in  heaven  !  oh  what  is  this  ? 

The  sum  of  all  that  faith  believed; 
Fulness  of  joy,  and  perfect  bliss. 

Unseen — unfathomed— uuconceived . 


FIXAL  BLESSEDNESS.  189 

24.    SAINTS   SHALL  BE  GLORIOUS  IN 
APPEARANCE. 

Then  shall  the  righteous  shine  forth 
as  the  sun  in  the  kingdom  of  their 
Father.     i/a«.  xiii.  43. 

The  Lamb  is  their  light  and  their  sun, 
And,  lo,  by  reflection  they  shine  ; 

With  Jesus  ineffably  one. 
And  bright  in  effulgence  divine. 


25.   SAINTS  SHALL  BE  HONOURED  AS 
VICTORS. 

I  beheld,  and,  lo,  a  great  multitude, 
which  no  man  could  number,  of  all 
nations,  and  kindreds,  and  peoj^le,  and 
tongues,  stood  before  the  throne,  and 
before  the  Lamb,  clothed  with  white 
robes,  and  palms  in  their  hands.  Rev. 
vii.  9. 

Now  the  conquerors  bring  their  palms 
To  the  Lamb  amidst  the  throne, 

And  proclaim  in  joyful  psalms, 
Victory  through  his  cross  alone. 


190  DECEMBER. 


26.      SAINTS  SHALL  BE  KINGS  AND 
PRIESTS  UNTO  GOD. 

Thou  hast  made  us  unto  our  God 
kings  and  priests  :  and  we  shall  reign 
on  the  earth.     Bev.  v.  10. 

Thou  hast  redeemed  our  souls  with  blood, 

Hast  set  the  prisoners  free, 
Hast  made  us  kings  and  priests  to  God, 

And  we  shall  reign  with  thee. 


27.      JOYS  OF  HEAVEN  ARE  StTRE. 

Oh  how  great  is  thy  goodness,  which 
thou  hast  laid  up  for  them  that  fear 
thee ;  which  thou  hast  wrought  for 
them  that  trust  in  thee  before  the  sons 
of  men  I     Psalm  xxxi.  19. 

This  is  the  hope  that  shall  sustain  me 
Till  life's  pilgrimage  be  past ; 

Fears  may  vex,  and  troubles  pain  me, 
I  shall  reach  my  home  at  last. 


FINAL  BLESSEDNESS.     191 


28.  JOYS  OP  HEAYEN  ARE  ABUNDANT. 

The  Lamb  which  is  in  the  midst  of 
the  throne  shall  feed  them,  and  shall 
lead   them   unto  living   fountains  of 
water.     Eev.  vii.  17. 
The  Lamb  that  fills  the  middle  throne 

Shall  shed  around  his  milder  beams, 
There  shall  they  feast  on  his  rich  love, 

And  drink    full  joys    from    heavenly 
streams. 


29.   JOYS  OF  HEAVEN  ARE  SATISFYING. 

I  will  behold  thy  face  in  righteous- 
ness :  I  shall  be  satisfied,  when  I 
awake,  with  thy  likeness.  Psalm  xvii. 
15. 

Oh !  when  awakened  by  thy  care, 
Thy  face  I  view,  thy  image  bear, 
How  shall  my  breast  with  transport  glowl 
What  full  delight  my  heart  o'ertiow/ 


192  DECEMBER. 

30.  JOYS  OF  HEAVEN  ARE  ETERNAL. 

Him  that  overcometh  will  I  make  a 
pillar  in  tho  temple  of  my  God,  and  he 
shall  go  no  more  out.     Mev.  iii.  12. 

The  everlasting  doors 

Shall  soon  the  saints  receive 

Above,  with  angel  powers, 
In  glorious  joy  to  live: 

Far  from  a  world  of  grief  and  sin, 

With  God  eternally  shut  in. 


31.  BELIEVERS  TO  WAIT  FOR  HEAVEN". 

Blessed  is  he  that  waiteth,  and  cometh 
to  the  thousand  three  hundred  and  five 
and  thirty  days.  Bat  go  thou  thy  way 
till  the  end  he  :  for  thou  shalt  rest,  and 
stand  in  thy  lot  at  the  end  of  the  days. 
Dan.  xii.  12,  13. 

Jerusalem,  my  happy  home, 

My  soul  still  pants  for  thee  ; 
"When  shall  my  labours  have  an  end 
In  joy,  and  peace,  and  thee  ? 


